Administrative Magistrate

15th Judicial Circuit Court•Main - 205 N. Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach, FL

About The Position

The essential function of the position is to set cases for hearing, conduct hearings, and make legal substantive and procedural determinations in the area of family law, civil, mental health, and juvenile matters referred by the judge in the respective divisions. The position is responsible for preparing recommended orders or reports and recommendation with accompanying orders for referring judge's signature. The position further supervises Magistrates, the Child Support Hearing Officers, and their assistants. The position further reviews leave requests, ensures compliance with office policy and procedure, attends Director meetings and trainings, and schedules meetings with the Magistrates and Hearing Officers to share information. In addition, the position maintains communication between the Magistrate Division and the Trial Court Administrator, the Chief Judge and the administrative judges for family, mental health and juvenile divisions. The position reports to the Trial Court Administrator.

Requirements

Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school and admittance to the Florida Bar is required
At least five years of experience as a licensed attorney.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply Florida statutes, case law and Florida rules of Court.
Knowledge of the rules of evidence and the ability to take evidence.
Ability to work with litigants who are in stressful situations.
Knowledge of civil procedure.
Ability to conduct legal research.
Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to mentor and train magistrates and hearing officers.
Ability to operate a “file less” division is required and advanced technological skills are needed.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will have litigation experience.

Responsibilities

Schedules cases and conducts bench trials and hearings; rules on questions of jurisdiction, standing, discovery, and admission of evidence and applies facts to substantive statutes and rules; prepares recommended orders for referring judge's signature at conclusion of hearing.
Supervises six (6) Magistrates, two (2) Child Support Hearing Officers, and eight (8) administrative assistants.
Participates in the selection, hiring, training, counseling and discipline of Magistrates, the Hearing Officers, as well as their assigned assistants.
Reviews judges' orders of referral, recommended orders submitted by attorneys; considers and analyzes related legal research and evidence presented at hearing or trial.
Provides relevant statutory and case law updates to the Magistrates and the Hearing Officers; attends technical and professional classes, workshops, seminars, or conferences to improve professional skills; participates in various CLE panels to educate Magistrates, Hearing Officers, judicial assistants, magistrate assistants and lawyers.
Drafts, amends, and edits relevant administrative orders and forms utilized by the Circuit.
Performs administrative tasks such as reviewing monthly case management reports and data for all Magistrate/Hearing Officer assignments; conducts and attends staff meetings to share information.
Conducts meetings with Court partners such as the Clerk, Department of Revenue, Office of Regional Counsel, Office of the Public Defender, Office of the State Attorney, Baker Act facilities and the managing entity responsible for Marchman Acts.