Probate Court Legal Services Director

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.

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CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Probate Court Legal Services Director

SALARY:

$107,194.65 - $138,647.32

DEPARTMENT:

Probate Court Wills & Estates

Opening Date:

04/03/2026

Closing Date:

04/18/2026 12:00 a.m.

FLSA Status: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-Will

CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is 8:00am.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under limited direction, supervises the work activities of assigned staff, participates in the review and filing of legal documents. Research laws, regulations, court rules and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings, conducts hearings relating to the above matters where permissible by statute and court rule. Writes memorandums and makes oral reports as assigned. Assists the Chief Judge and Court Administration in court management as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises, assigns, monitors, trains and evaluates the work activities of assigned staff.

Participates in the review and filing of legal documents pertaining to the above.

Research laws, regulations, court rules, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and proceedings.

Conducts hearings relating to various petitions brought before the various divisions and departments of Probate Court where permissible by statute and/or court rule.

Questions witnesses and reviews evidence presented at hearings relative to disposition of the various petitions and motions.

Analyzes evidence, court rules and applicable statutes, regulations, policy and precedent decisions to determine appropriate and permissible conclusions.

Provides court management support to the Chief Judge and Court Administration as needed.

Provides legal advice and research support activities to Court personnel as directed.

Performs legal research in printed legal materials and computer assisted materials.

Participates in continuing legal education.

Monitors new legal materials, including but not limited to, newspapers, professional journals, and opinions of state and federal courts.

Assists in the development and presentation of legal updates and information to the Probate Court Judge.

Prepares documents using a personal computer and word processing program(s).

Assists the public by answering questions and issuing information as needed.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• A Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the area of probate law

Preferred Education and Experience

• Previous supervisory experience within a union environment.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• A current membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Probate Code and Court rules and statutes relating to mental health proceedings

• Court processes and case proceedings

• Microsoft Office, Google and current Court case management systems

Ability to:

• Sufficiently research the law, draft memorandums of law, and produce related reports

• Distill complex legal issues and present legal findings in a clear and concise manner

• Exercise independent and sound judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions

• Train, supervise, direct and organize the work of others

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials and the public

• Work in an environment which embraces the county's Dignity Campaign

• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language

• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred

• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

• Work independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: N/S

Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S

Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand:

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): N/S

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/S

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): N/S

Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging:  N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: F/C

Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another:

Up to 10 pounds: O

Up to 50 pounds: N/S

More than 50 pounds: N/S

Over 100 pounds: N/S

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: O

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.