Municipal Court Judge

City of Olathe • West Windsor Township, NJ

1d • $110,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Olathe, Kansas, is seeking a highly qualified legal professional to serve as a Full-Time Municipal Court Judge, responsible for presiding over Municipal Court proceedings along with one other full-time Municipal Court Judge. The Municipal Court Judges, together, help ensure the fair, impartial, and effective administration of justice in Olathe Municipal Court. This opportunity is well-suited for an experienced criminal trial attorney or current or former judge with strong courtroom presence, sound legal judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to public service. The successful candidate will bring credibility, professionalism, and the ability to manage proceedings with fairness, efficiency, and respect for all parties appearing before the Court. The City is looking for someone who takes a holistic view of each individual, not just the offense, and who can balance accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation by meeting people where they are. At the City of Olathe, we are committed to Setting the Standard for Excellence in Public Service for both our residents and employees. That commitment is reflected in our Vision, Values, and Mission and in an organizational culture grounded in integrity, learning, customer service, and continuous improvement. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the region, Olathe offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a community that values high-quality service. The Municipal Court Judge is an appointed employee responsible for presiding over Municipal Court proceedings. The Municipal Court Judge serves with one other full-time Municipal Court Judge who is also appointed by and reports to the City Council. The Municipal Court Judges are contract employees of the City of Olathe and are among 4 positions at the City of Olathe reporting directly to the City Council (including the City Manager and City Auditor). The City of Olathe consistently ranks as one of the best places to work, live and raise a family. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because thousands of dedicated City employees work each day to make life better in our community. “Setting the standard for excellence in public service” is not just a saying in Olathe. It is what we do. Olathe’s quality of life is second to none, and we believe our employees deserve the same. The City of Olathe values and fosters an innovative, diverse, and inclusive culture. We offer competitive pay, health and dental coverage, retirement plans, and educational reimbursement. Employees can take advantage of the all-encompassing LiveWell wellness program to help them be their best selves—mentally, physically, socially, and financially. The City of Olathe champions continuous training and development for employees at all levels. It is our belief that if our employees continue to grow and be successful, both personally and professionally, then the City will serve our residents in the best ways possible. If you’re looking for a career where you can serve others, make a difference, and grow, then your path starts here.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law and registered with the Clerk of the Kansas Supreme Court
• At least five years of experience practicing law
• Experience in Kansas municipal courts
• Must possess leadership qualities to enhance the public image and stature of the Municipal Court and demonstrate high person, moral, and professional integrity befitting the position.
• Credibility, professionalism, and the ability to manage proceedings with fairness, efficiency, and respect for all parties appearing before the Court is also expected.
• Technical proficiency in the use and understanding of the court data management system, which requires the Municipal Court Judge to input significant amounts of information in the courtroom environment, is critical.
• Awareness of diversion programs, alternative sentencing, problem solving, strong written communication skills, and the ability to manage a high-volume docket, virtual and in-person, is also essential to the success of this role.
• Admitted to practice law and registered with the Clerk of the Kansas Supreme Court in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 208 and K.S.A. 12-4105.
• Proficiency with verbal and written English language required.
• Must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City of Olathe, Kansas, within one year of starting a term of office.
• The selected candidate will not practice law during their term of office as required by the Kansas Rules of Judicial Conduct.

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving as a municipal judge
• Significant courtroom experience, including hearings, bench trials, motion practice, and other proceedings
• Strong and impartial judicial temperament, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with attorneys, court staff, law enforcement, and City leadership

Responsibilities

• Conducts courtroom proceedings of persons charged with violating municipal ordinances including Arraignments, Pleas, Trials, Sentencings, Diversion and Probation Revocations, House Arrest Violations and Expungements.
• Rules on motions filed such as motions to dismiss or suppress evidence, motions to set aside warrants or continue cases.
• Appoints counsel for indigent persons.
• Reviews case files for bond forfeitures and bench warrants; evaluates, inspects, and approves warrants.
• Develops and presents data and reports periodically upon the request of the Mayor and City Council; provides routine reports on Municipal Court activities to the City Council Liaisons.
• Collaborates with other Municipal Court Judges, the Court Administrator and Assistant Court Administrator, City Prosecutors, as well as other internal or external stakeholders to coordinate court practices and available resources to ensure successful case flow management and ensure the best monitoring practices of defendants on probation or in need of service from Court Services; works with internal and external partners to review and implement process improvements.
• Complies with all statutory requirements pertaining to the Municipal Court Judge in Chapter 12 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated.

Benefits

• Healthcare insurance
• An onsite clinic available to employees and dependents covered under the City’s medical plan, free of charge, including physical therapy, behavioral health, and primary/acute medical care
• Participation in KPERS retirement system
• Competitive salary
• Health and dental coverage
• Retirement plans
• Educational reimbursement
• All-encompassing LiveWell wellness program to help them be their best selves—mentally, physically, socially, and financially.
• Continuous training and development for employees at all levels.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree