MAGISTRATE - 22009405

State of Florida•Jacksonville Beach, FL

About The Position

The essential function of the position within the organization is to conduct hearings and submit recommended Orders/Judgements on matters referred to the Magistrates by judges. The position is responsible for setting referred cases for hearing, conducting hearings, making decisions on cases and preparing Orders/Judgements that include findings of facts, conclusions of law and recommendation for the referring judge’s review. The position works under the general supervision of a Chief Judge or designee. Examples of Work Reviews judge’s orders of referral and conducts legal research in preparation for hearings of family law cases. Schedule cases and conduct hearings in compliance with applicable regulations and laws; collect data in the form of documentary evidence and testimony; rule on evidentiary objections. Review recommended Orders/Judgements submitted by attorneys and consider/analyze related research and information presented at hearings to make case determinations in the form of a recommended Orders/Judgements to the courts. Timely prepare recommended Orders/Judgements for referring judge’s review and signature at the conclusion of hearings. Manage referred family law, civil and probate matters; conducts hearings and prepare reviews and/or sign written decisions on referred matters. Take and evaluate evidence and testimony from witnesses and technical experts and use that information in making legal factual recommendations. Make rulings on pre-trial and post judgement motions including discovery, dismissal and motions for relief, clarification and re-hearings.

Requirements

Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Five years of experience in the practice of law, including one year in family law.
Requires membership in good standing in the Florida Bar.
Must be conversant with dependency and other family law proceedings in accordance with Chapters 39, 61, 63 and 742.
Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply Florida statutes and case law concerning dependency and family matters.
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, family and juvenile procedures.
Ability to communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

Reviews judge’s orders of referral and conducts legal research in preparation for hearings of family law cases.
Schedule cases and conduct hearings in compliance with applicable regulations and laws; collect data in the form of documentary evidence and testimony; rule on evidentiary objections.
Review recommended Orders/Judgements submitted by attorneys and consider/analyze related research and information presented at hearings to make case determinations in the form of a recommended Orders/Judgements to the courts.
Timely prepare recommended Orders/Judgements for referring judge’s review and signature at the conclusion of hearings.
Manage referred family law, civil and probate matters; conducts hearings and prepare reviews and/or sign written decisions on referred matters.
Take and evaluate evidence and testimony from witnesses and technical experts and use that information in making legal factual recommendations.
Make rulings on pre-trial and post judgement motions including discovery, dismissal and motions for relief, clarification and re-hearings.