Magistrate-Family Division

Elkhart County Government•Goshen, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Magistrate-Family Division position serves as an appointed magistrate for the family division of the Elkhart County Judiciary. The magistrate presides over Juvenile Paternity, Domestic Relations, Reciprocal Support, Adoptions, Guardianships, Protection Orders, Grandparent Visitation, and Miscellaneous Civil cases, and may also preside over Juvenile CHINS, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Status, Juvenile Miscellaneous, Juvenile Termination, and Juvenile Protection cases. The magistrate may conduct evidentiary hearings or trials and performs judicial duties authorized by law, including serving as a judge pro tempore or special judge when required. The position supervises and manages assigned court staff and serves in a rotating seven-day, 24-hour on-call capacity with the other elected judges and magistrates for emergencies. Work is based at the Elkhart County Judicial Center, with travel within Elkhart County and attendance at state and national conferences as required. Hours and days of work are as assigned.

Requirements

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.
Admission to practice law in the State of Indiana.
Thorough knowledge of Indiana Supreme Court and Appellate Court decisions, Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure, and Indiana Rules of Evidence.
Thorough knowledge of court practices and procedures, legal terminology, standard legal documents and petitions, and the Indiana Code.
Ability to read and interpret detailed Indiana Supreme Court and Appellate Court decisions, the Indiana Code, legal websites, the Family and Juvenile Court Journal, and delinquency bench books.
Ability to supervise assigned staff, including interviewing and making hiring decisions, orienting new subordinates, establishing specific work goals, and keeping the supervisor and assigned staff informed of organizational developments.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Responsibilities

Preside over assigned family-division cases, including Juvenile Paternity, Domestic Relations, Reciprocal Support, Adoptions, Guardianships, Protection Orders, Grandparent Visitation, and Miscellaneous Civil matters.
At times, preside over Juvenile CHINS, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Status, Juvenile Miscellaneous, Juvenile Termination, and Juvenile Protection cases.
Conduct evidentiary hearings or trials as needed.
Take and certify affidavits or depositions, order subpoenas, compel witness attendance, punish contempt of court, issue warrants, set bail, and enforce court rules.
Report findings in evidentiary hearings or trials and verify certificates authenticating records of proceedings conducted by the magistrate.
Review memoranda and case files and confer with judges, probation officers, attorneys, and caseworkers as needed.
Perform other duties permitted by law, including administering oaths or affirmations.
Serve as a judge pro tempore or special judge as required.
Serve in a rotating seven-day, 24-hour on-call status for emergencies.
Supervise and manage assigned court staff.
Perform related duties as assigned.