Judicial Job Descriptions

Judges

ON-CALL SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE PRO TEMPORE: Superior Court in Mohave County, Kingman, AZ. Summary: Responsible for handling such duties as provided by A.R.S.§12-144. The incumbent will be recommended to the Chief Justice for appointment by the Presiding Judge after initial screening by the Mohave County Committee on Special Judicial Officer Appointments. Qualifications: Not less than thirty years of age, of good moral character, admitted to the practice of law in the state for not less than five years next preceding his appointment, a resident of this state for not less than five years next preceding his appointment, a judge pro tempore may be appointed to serve in the county of his residence or in a county of which he/she is not a resident. Salary: $65.30 per hour. (2008)

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY JUDGE: Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk, VA. Summary: The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit seeks applications from all highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia at Norfolk. The basic jurisdiction of a Bankruptcy Judge is specified in Title 28, United States Code and explained in Title 11, United States Code, as well as in 98 Stat. 344, Pub. L. 98-353, Title I, ' 120. Qualifications: Have been engaged in the active practice of law for a period of at least five years. Salary: $151,984 (2007)

JUDGE: City of Mesquite Municipal Court, Nevada. Summary: Perform professional judicial duties in interpreting and applying the local, state and federal laws and manage the activities of the operating division of the Mesquite Municipal Court. Duties: Serve as a representative of the City of Mesquite, demonstrating a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy, and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public. Preside over a variety of hearing including criminal misdemeanor and traffic arraignments, driving and curfew arraignments, criminal non-jury trials, and pre-trial conferences. Review requests for continuances; grant or deny requests. Serve order to persons held in custody. Review search warrants; sign or reject warrants; confirm warrant recalls. Review and sign complaints, summons, subpoenas, arrest warrants and adult diversion forms. Review and sign seized property releases. Oversee the assignment and management of the work of all Court employees. Evaluate and analyze the statistical data on a continuing basis concerning the management of courtroom case flow and oversee periodic reports based on that data. Respond verbally and in writing to complaints and inquiries from the public, the City Council, the City Manager’s Office and other City departments and explain relevant administrative and judicial policies and procedures. Determine departmental budget priorities for the operating divisions. Direct the development and installation of procedural, technical and operational improvements. Determine the long-range plan for the Court. Correspond with non-local defendants for dispositions of cases by mail when appropriate. At as unofficial ombudsman for public questions regarding drivers’ license reinstatement, vehicle registration, removal of convictions and referral to appropriate agencies. Perform legal research. Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service. Be dependable and meet acceptable attendance requirements at all times. Follow all applicable safety rules and regulations. Qualifications: Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provides the individual with the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job. Graduation from an ABA accredited college or university. Must possess, at time of employment and continuously throughout employment, a valid Nevada Class “C” driver’s license. (2007)

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE: Federal Government (General Description). Summary: The position of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), originally called hearing examiner, was created by the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946, Public Law 79-404. The Act insured fairness and due process in Federal agency rule making and adjudication proceedings. It provided those parties, whose affairs are controlled or regulated by agencies of the Federal Government, an opportunity for a formal hearing on the record before an impartial hearing officer. Duties: ALJs prepare for and preside at formal hearings which Federal agencies are required by statute to hold under, or in substantial accord with, provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, Sections 553-559 of Title 5, United States Code. ALJs function as independent, impartial triers of fact in formal hearings in a manner similar to that of a trial judge conducting civil trials without a jury. Qualifications: Applicants must be attorneys and have a minimum of seven (7) years administrative law and/or trial experience involving formal administrative hearing proceedings before local, State, or Federal administrative agencies, courts, or other administrative bodies. In addition, applicants must demonstrate that they have had 2 years of qualifying experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility characteristic of at least senior level GS-13, or 1 year characteristic of at least GS-14 or GS-15 Federal Government attorneys actively involved in administrative law and/or litigation work. (2007)

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE I: State of Utah. Summary: Incumbents in this job preside over and conduct formal and/or complex administrative hearings on behalf of a department of Utah State Government. Incumbents at this level function at the beginning level of this series while performing similar duties as the level II ALJ, do so under more supervision and handle less complex cases than the level II. Duties: Conducts, or represents agency at, formal or informal hearings. Rules on the admissibility of evidence, evaluates evidence and makes decisions on cases. Explains differences between hearing and civil procedures to litigants, attorneys and others. Resolves procedural issues such as requests for continuances. Establishes witness lists, issues subpoenas, holds pre-hearing conferences, selects and utilizes subject matter experts. Make final judgment with responsibility for decision, including defending decision in any legal proceedings. Questions witnesses and considers testimony and evidence that is presented. Issues written orders, makes rulings and/or adjudicates administrative cases. Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions. Other tasks as assigned. Qualifications: KNOWLEDGE OF THE FOLLOWING THEORY, PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES AND/OR CONTENT: legal processes and procedures; State, agency and/or other grievance process; applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures; legal processes and procedures; State, agency and/or other grievance process; laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history; principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law. SKILLS/ABILITY TO: communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing; State, agency and/or other grievance process; facilitate or lead hearings, meetings, teams, or work groups to encourage participation, build mutual trust, respect and cooperation among participants; speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally; provide consultation and/or expert advice or testimony; evaluate information against a set of standards; conduct a methodical examination; make a decision or solve a problem by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions; understand and apply case and statutory law; speak before a group of people; deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism; use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions; interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation; read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures; principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law. A Juris Doctorate is required. Salary: $26.84 - $40.33. (2007)

ASSOCIATE JUDGE: Texas Office of Court Administration. Summary: The primary duty of this position is to conduct hearings in Title IV-D cases. Works under limited direction from the Presiding Judge of the 1st Administrative Judicial Region, with extensive latitude for the use of independent judgment in performing the assigned duties. Duties: Performs highly responsible hearing officer and legal duties. Conducts hearings and recommends/renders the orders and judgments to be made in Title IV-D child support cases. Makes findings of fact, formulate conclusions of law and recommends/renders orders in Title IV-D cases. Ensures cases are completed within the time specified in Chapter 201, Subchapter B of the Texas Family Code. Supervises and evaluates the performance of the Title IV-D administrative assistant in the associate judge’s office. Working Conditions: Must sit for extended periods of time. May operate a motor vehicle to conduct agency business. Qualifications: Must have been a practicing lawyer or a judge of a court in this State, or both combined, for at least four years immediately preceding appointment as a Title IV-D Associate Judge. Must have resided in the 1st Administrative Judicial Region for at least two years immediately preceding appointment as a Title IV-D Associate Judge. Must have extensive knowledge of and practical experience in legal proceedings, trial procedures, and the laws of the State of Texas. Must have graduated from an accredited school of law, be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Salary: $7,081.17 monthly. (2006)

MUNICIPAL COURT PRESIDING JUDGE: Surprise, AZ. Summary: The City of Surprise is seeking Municipal Court Presiding Judge to supervise the administration of the judicial and internal administrative functions of the municipal court. Duties: Determining judicial assignments for each judge and within guidelines established by the City Council establishing and maintaining standard working hours and times to effectively discharge those assignments; being responsible for the supervision of judges and judicial and non-judicial staff who directly affect the operation of the court; and delegating duties to judges, judicial and non-judicial personnel as necessary. Will also be presiding over a variety of hearings including criminal, misdemeanor and traffic arraignments, pretrial conferences, civil traffic arraignments, criminal jury and non-jury trials, orders of protection and injunctions against harassment. Qualifications: Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school. Five years experience as a lawyer or judge. Current member of the Arizona State Bar in good standing for a minimum of five years. Administrative and supervisory experience critical. Salary: $120,000 - $140,000. (2006).

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Magistrates

ATTORNEY MAGISTRATE: Kalamazoo, MI. Duties: The Incumbent renders decisions, which deal with financial matters, government bodies or the defendant in civil infraction matters or selected misdemeanors. Qualifications: Law degree, licensed with the State Bar Association of Michigan, and certified with the Michigan Judicial Institute to conduct Informal Hearings. Shall be registered elector in the county in which they are appointed and if hired not practice law in 8^th District Court. Three to five years experience in the State of Michigan practicing law. Extensive experience in Michigan traffic, criminal and civil law. Knowledge and experience with the Court system are essential. Needs the ability to conduct controlled and orderly hearings and to preside over informal hearings and arraignments in criminal matters. Ability to keep an open mind, follow procedures, apply relevant laws, make the correct, fair, and just decision, and to communicate this decision to the parties is required. Salary: $53,705.60-$69,825.60. (2007)

CITY MAGISTRATE: City Court, City of Mesa, AZ. Summary: A City Magistrate is responsible for presiding over misdemeanor and civil traffic cases filed with the Mesa Municipal Court, and presides over Orders of Protection. A City Magistrate is responsible for applying relevant Supreme Court Rules, state statues, City ordinances, and case law when presiding over trials to the court, trials to a jury, pre-trial conferences, arraignments, motions, and other hearings. An employee in this class is also responsible for imposing sentences commensurate to the offense and within the parameters allowed by law. In addition, a City Magistrate determines the conditions, which, if met, will allow the defendant’s release from police custody. This class performs related duties as required. Duties: Communication: Conveys legal opinions to defendants, attorneys, and court staff. Informs defendants of their rights and any sentence which may be imposed, in a manner which makes the information clearly understandable. Manual/Physical: Enters legal decisions into the court file. Completes and signs various legal forms. Hears cases involving traffic violations, misdemeanors, and Orders of Protection, in order to render decisions. Reviews briefs submitted to the court by attorneys, researches applicable case law, and communicates decisions made. Mental: Conducts legal research to determine the law applicable to a given set of circumstances. Evaluates evidence presented to the court and applies existing law in rendering decisions. Interprets and applies case law to cases over which the City Magistrate presides. Analyzes legal memoranda submitted by attorneys to determine applicability to issue at hand. Learns job-related material in a classroom setting at an annual judicial conference. Qualifications: Education and Experience: Requires any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to 7 - 9 years of experience as a lawyer, judge, or hearing officer in criminal or traffic cases, and graduation from an accredited school of law. Previous judicial experience in misdemeanor cases is preferred. Special Requirements: Admission to the Arizona State Bar Association. For this position, an individual receiving a conditional offer of employment from the City of Mesa must pass a background investigation through the City of Mesa Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to commencing employment with the City of Mesa . (2007)

MAGISTRATE: Colorado Judiciary, Brighton, CO. Duties: Performs a variety of judicial duties in the Colorado Judicial System including deciding the merits of cases, hearing and evaluating evidence and witness credibility, analyzing laws and rules, making findings of fact and conclusions of law and issuing oral or written decisions and orders to resolve cases. Provides administrative direction for the operation of a judicial division including supervisory accountability for division staff, volunteers or interns. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school; possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Colorado and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Colorado . Applicants must have at least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney. Exception to the experience qualification may apply in Class “C” or “D” counties. This position will work in the juvenile division of district court. Salary: $5,304 - $7,106/month. (2007)

MAGISTRATE JUDGE: District of Columbia Superior Court. Summary: Two (2) Magistrate Judges will be appointed to serve four-year terms in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Duties: The duties will include the following: conduct preliminary hearings in criminal cases (e.g., bond hearings, initial probation revocation hearings, and preliminary hearings); and preside over certain civil non-jury trials. The basic jurisdiction of the Magistrate Judges is specified in D.C. code 11-1732 (Supp. 1986. as amended by the District of Columbia Judicial Efficiency and Improvement Act of 1986, Pub.L.No. 99-573, 2, 100 Stat. 3228). Qualifications: An applicant must: (1) be a member in good standing of the unified District of Columbia Bar; (2) for five (5) years immediately preceding appointment, have been engaged in the active practice of law in the District of Columbia, have been on the faculty of a law school in the District of Columbia, or employed as a lawyer by the District of Columbia or United States Government, or any combination of the foregoing; (3) be a citizen of the United States and a bona fide resident of the District of Columbia and have maintained an actual place of abode in the District of Columbia for at least 90 days immediately prior to appointment; (4). be competent to perform the duties of the office and be of good moral character; and (5) make formal application to the court for the position. You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position. You must have a certification, licensure, or registration credentials in District of Columbia Bar for this position. You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position. Salary: $139,774.00. (2007)

MAGISTRATE: Administrative Office of the Courts, Florida. Summary: Professional and responsible quasi-judicial work that relates to civil, family, child support, enforcement, criminal, traffic, and small claims, as well as Probate Court including Baker Acts, Marchman Acts and Guardianship hearings. Duties: Requires legal research activities at the trial court level. Work involves considerable interpretation and judgment in the analysis of legal issues in administrative law and the areas mentioned above. Work is performed under general supervision of the Chief Judge, Court Administrator, Judges, and Alternative Dispute Resolutions Director. The Magistrate works closely with the Judges, Dispute Resolution programs, Family Court Services, the Clerk’s office, and related agencies, and serves as an integral member of the 20^th Judicial Circuit Court’s case management team circuit-wide. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited law school. Five years experience in the practice of law in one or more of the civil, family, or criminal areas listed in the summary. Prior judicial/quasi-judicial preferred. Must be a member in good standing with the Florida Bar. A valid Class “E” Florida Driver’s License, with acceptable driving record, is required. Knowledge of: general legal principles, statutes, case law, court rules, and procedures; legal research tools and the ability to use them efficiently; Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Judicial Administration; Florida Statutes relating to Dissolution of Marriage, Support, and Custody; general case management principles; code of judicial conduct; trial court procedures; Ability to: reason logically and analytically; analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details; effectively conduct hearings and prepare appropriate reports; conduct trials and hearings and exercise discretion, confidentiality, impartiality, and honesty in handling matters before the Court; communicate ideas and concepts effectively verbally and in writing; work effectively within a team; conduct legal research manually & via the internet; utilize various computer software programs including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Outlook, & the internet. Salary: $72,348.12. (2006)

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Other Judicial Positions

JUDICIARY CLERK 4: Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage. Summary: Under the direction of the Court executive or other supervisory personnel. Duties: Responsibilities will include: confidential file maintenance, update and data entry; regulate flow of work in accordance with operating schedules; give advice or assist a staff or team members with work in progress; analyze statistical or financial data; provide training or cross training to co-workers; implement operating procedures or systems; inform managers about unresolved staff or team conflicts; screen confidential material for release to the public or other authorized persons/agency; review and respond, by providing pertinent information, to letters received from various sources; coordinate, oversee and maintain divisional records and archives; assist and advise the judge on case issues in the courtroom; approve case adjournments; analyze case archives; assist and advise the judge on case issues in the courtroom; approve case adjournments; analyze case processing and make recommendations for improvement as needed; apply statutes, court rules, case law and policies to case processing and assist clients or members of the public; special projects; perform in-court support as court clerk; including but not limited to operating audio recording systems, maintaining a detailed log of in-court activities, maintaining calendar results, marking exhibits, and swearing in witnesses. Qualifications: Open to employees of the Monmouth Vicinage who have an aggregate of one year of permanent service as of the announced closing date in the following career service titles: Judiciary Clerk 3, Judiciary Clerk 3/Court Clerk, Judiciary Clerk3/Bilingual, Judiciary Account Clerk 2, Judiciary Account Clerk 2 Bilingual. Applicants selected to interview must pass an appointing authority administered examination to demonstrate keyboarding sills at the Judiciary standard of at least 25 words per minute. Salary: $35,048.27-$55,245.38. (2007)

COURT COMMISSIONER: Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento. Summary: Under the general direction of the Presiding Judge, Court Commissioners perform various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the court. Court Commissioners have the same jurisdiction and exercise the same powers and duties as the judges of the court with respect to infractions and small claims actions, and in other matters pursuant to stipulation of parties. Court Commissioners are appointed by the judges and perform judicial functions of the court, assisting the court in disposing of business connected with the administration of justice, including acting as a temporary judge in certain types of cases. Note: By law, a Court Commissioner cannot engage in the practice of law. Duties: Acts as a temporary judge in court cases pursuant to the stipulation of counsel and parties; conducts a daily court calendar; presides over hearings and trials; makes rulings, findings, judgments and orders. Presides over proceedings in one or more of the following: civil and small claims actions; criminal and traffic arraignments; hearings and trials of infractions; misdemeanors; probate, family law and juvenile court. Arraigns defendants; grants continuances; hears, reviews and rules on a variety of petitions, motions and other actions; takes evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; makes or recommends appropriate court orders; accepts pleas and imposes sentences; sets cases for hearing and trial; conducts court and jury trials. Reviews court files, documents and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings; prepares court documents, records, reports, correspondence and other written materials pertaining to case findings. Qualifications: Citizen of the United States. Resident of California. Active member of the California State Bar for a minimum of ten years. Salary: $10,567 monthly (plus a 3.35% differential). (2007)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges, Atlanta, GA. Summary: High level of responsibility in implementing the policies of the Council of Superior Court Judges. The position requires independent judgment in the supervision of legal and administrative staff as well as planning, organizing and performing the varied administrative assignments required for the successful accomplishment of the goals and directives of the Council. Duties: Carries out the directives of the President of the Council and responds to requests for assistance from members of the Executive Committee and other Superior Court Judges. Assists the President in establishing locations and preparing agendas for meetings of the Executive Committee and the Council of Superior Court Judges. Assists the Secretary-Treasurer in managing the finances of the Council. Identifies policy issues for consideration by Council leadership and standing committees. Provides staff support to Council Committees. Promotes Council’s long-range plans and strategic goals with standing committees through central office projects at the direction of the Executive committee. Manages central office operations, including budget development and administration; supervision of legal and administrative personnel; development of policies and procedures; organization of workflow. Coordinates the legislative effort for the Council and maintains current information on pending legislation which will impact the superior court. Regularly collaborates with the District Court Administrators, Superior Court personnel and other judicial branch agencies. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, political science, criminal justice or related field, supplemented by a law degree or graduate degree in one of the above fields. Three years of experience in an administrative or managerial position in a judicial branch agency or related field. Thorough knowledge of court administration, strategic planning, budgeting, personnel management, and program analysis. Knowledge of the structure and function of Georgia state government with emphasis on judicial branch. Requires demonstrated experience in problem solving, development of evaluative instruments and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Salary: $77,000 - $100,480. (2005)

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