Staff Attorney

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County’s natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty.  A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We were recently identified as “Best in Class Winner” among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being. We have also received the Impact Award for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!

Job Summary

Conduct legal research relative to court proceedings. Serve as bailiff in the courtroom during jury trials. Maintain law library. Train the current law clerk.    

Wage Range: $65,478 - $85,758 per year - depending on experience - full time salaried

Excellent Benefits Plan:  Health benefits begin on the first of the month after your hire date
- Medical, Dental & Vision (3 medical plans to choose from, 2 of which have a $0 premium)
- County-funded Health Savings Account with our two high-deductible medical plans
- County-paid employee life insurance coverage
- County-paid short-term disability coverage, up to 52 weeks
- Generous retirement plan, including a county contribution of 7% of your annual earnings
- Tuition Reimbursement Program for college degree courses
- Generous PTO plan, including front-loaded hours into PTO bank at hire, and annually on January 1.
- 13 paid holidays, in addition to PTO
- FREE use of Allegan County government's two fitness centers 
 

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conduct legal research for the court including review of pleadings and other pertinent   information regarding pending motions and prepare analysis of the law. Write memoranda of law after thoroughly reviewing all pleadings and briefs and independently researching the legal issues.

• During jury trials, serve as bailiff. Provide orientation to assembled jurors.  Escort jurors to courtroom. Keeping jury panels separated from all parties, witnesses and attorneys. Observation and control of impaneled juries.

• Assist Circuit Court Administrator with maintenance of the Law Library. Distribute all books and print materials. Assist public with use of the law library.

• Provide backup assistance as needed at the Circuit Court public window.

• Assist volunteers in the Legal Assistance Center by answering questions posed by patrons.

• Assist the District and/or Probate judges with legal research.

• Assists in other areas of the Court as required. 

• May conduct occasional hearings as an attorney referee at the judge's discretion. 

Education and Certification/Licensure:

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.

Experience: One to two years progressively more responsible legal experience. 

Allegan County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. A copy of our EEO Utilization report is available on our website:
https://www.allegancounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/2802/637974740005930000