Family Division Attorney Referee

Pay Rate

$37.81 - $42.85

Purpose

The individual in this position conducts hearings as authorized by the Chief Judge including domestic relations, juvenile delinquency, and child protective proceedings.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintains expert-level knowledge of Michigan Court Rules, statutes, case law, and the Michigan Rules of Evidence governing domestic relations, juvenile delinquency, and child protective matters, with continual awareness of legislative and judicial changes.
• Possesses and sustains advanced knowledge of the Michigan Child Support Formula, remaining informed of revisions and updates to its application.
• Analyzes, evaluates, and organizes testimony and other evidence.
• Interprets, reviews, and structures court orders, statutes, procedures, and court rules.
• Exercises judicial independence while consistently demonstrating appropriate judicial demeanor.
• Communicates professionally with litigants, attorneys, counselors, judges, and other stakeholders, including ability to positively interact with Family Division colleagues.
• Protects the confidentiality of court records, including sensitive case data and federal tax information.
• Adapts to technological advancements, maintaining proficiency with new software, hardware, and related updates.

Work Environment

Primarily courtroom and office-based with light physical effort with potential opportunity for remote work.

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school, licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, and must be in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan. Must have a minimum of four years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in domestic relations or family division matters, or two years of experience as a referee or magistrate, preferably in a domestic relations or family court setting. Will consider other legal experience which provides comparable knowledge and experience.

Supervision

This position reports to the assigned Family Division Judge who reports to the Chief Judge. Day-to-day work is performed under the direction of the Family Division Administrator.

Other Requirements

In addition to conducting the Referee hearings, the individual in this position acts as the hearing room bailiff and court recorder. The Referee is responsible for preparing Referee Recommendations for Orders and Orders following hearings consistent with the Michigan Court Rules.

Terms of Employment

The individual in this position is an at-will employee and serves at the pleasure of the Chief Judge.

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