Judicial Court Clerk - Probate Court

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$53,435 - $71,594
This position is full time on-site

Are you detail oriented and interested in helping Probate Court proceedings run smoothly? Join Oakland County in a role that supports judges, court staff, attorneys, and the public.

What You’ll Do
• Prepare the courtroom for hearings, maintain order and decorum, and assist the judge during proceedings
• Operate video conferencing and recording systems, including admitting participants to virtual hearings
• Escort and swear in jurors and witnesses
• Review legal documents for accuracy and compliance with court rules
• Record daily proceedings, prepare orders, file documents, and maintain official court records using County and Court software
• Answer questions and provide assistance to court personnel, attorneys, and the public

Why You’ll Love It Here
• Play an active role in the daily work of the Probate Court
• Work with judges, legal professionals, and court staff
• Put your organization and attention to detail to use in work that serves the public

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Under the Merit System Resolution, Section II, adopted November 8, 1966, employees in this class are excluded from the Merit System for the purpose of the manner of selection, appointment, removal from office or limitation or political activity.

NOTE:       The Desirable Qualifications for this classification, when provided to the Human Resources Department, will be stated on a separate page.  These Desirable Qualifications are not to be considered as definitive but are subject to revision by the Chief Circuit Court Judge, or designee.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a degree from or currently attending an accredited college of law in a curriculum leading toward a Juris Doctor degree;OR
• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; OR
• Have experience working in a court or other legal setting.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Reasonable knowledge of the practices and procedures of the Circuit Court.
• Reasonable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with court policies and procedures.
• Reasonable ability to interpret court rules and procedures to attorneys, litigants, and the general public.
• Reasonable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court personnel, attorneys, and the general public.
• Reasonable ability and skill to recognize and correct departures from standard court practices and procedures.
• Reasonable ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Reasonable ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
• Experienced in dealing with the public and able to maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• May train and orient new employees and interns.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ensures the courtroom operates efficiently by checking in parties, creating a list of waiting parties, and prioritizing caseflow ensuring all necessary parties are present to proceed.
• Declares the official opening and closing of court sessions and calls cases in court by stating the name and number of the case. This may occur in person, through video conferencing, or as a hybrid of both.  Assists the judge by administering oaths to jury members and witnesses, schedules hearings, processes adjournment requests, and retrieves legal files and documents.
• Maintains order and decorum in the courtroom among family members, spectators, and respondents by providing guidance in proper courtroom procedures and assisting in the removal of disruptive persons.
  Assists with the impaneling of juries by drawing the names of jurors to be seated for trial cases from the jury selection box. Asks for Foreperson of the jury to rise and pronounce the verdict rendered, polls each jury member for his/her verdict, as appropriate, and records the verdict, following legal procedure
• Performs special liaison assignments for the judge upon request, including the notification of attorneys, court personnel and respondents regarding the judge's requirements and decisions
• Operates the Court recording systems to capture official record. Maintains log files of events.
• Obtains legal documents, books, and statutes as requested by the judge. Prepares orders after court hearings as directed by the judge, retrieves and processes filings in digital and paper formats.
• Operates a computer terminal, as requested, to enter or retrieve information relative to particular cases.
• Ensures all the necessary legal documents pertaining to a court case have been properly filed.  Obtains files as needed for each case.
• Reviews records of the court's disposition on cases to ensure that the records are up to date and that cases are proceeding promptly.
• Compares Register of Action entries with filed documents to ensure the integrity of the court process.
• Reviews written orders brought in by attorneys, for accuracy and conformity with legal procedure prior to judicial review.
• Appropriately manages both public and non-public data and protects confidential records.
• Directs members of the public to resources that may be able to assist them in relationship to legal proceedings.
• Represents the court with integrity and professionalism and conforms to the Michigan Trial Courts Code of Conduct. 
• Notifies as necessary, attorneys, respondents, litigants, and court personnel of the judge's decision and checks with attorneys to confirm the progress of a case to ensure correct scheduling of the court's time.
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate information accurately.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a typical office and courtroom environment.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification.  Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.