Special Magistrate (Contracted Position)

Town of Bay Harbor Islands • Bay Harbor Islands, FL

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Town of Bay Harbor Islands is seeking qualified applicants for the contracted position of Special Magistrate. The Special Magistrate will preside over the Town’s monthly Special Magistrate hearings, ensuring fairness and adherence to Florida State Statute 162 and Chapter 5¾ of the Town Code. This role is pivotal in enforcing the Town's codes and ordinances, maintaining compliance, and protecting community standards.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of legal practice.
• Must be admitted to the Florida Bar and in good standing with no history of disciplinary action or ethical violations.
• Demonstrated impartiality, integrity, and adherence to the law.
• Required to take an oath pledging impartial performance of duties.
• Legal Expertise: Juris Doctor (JD) degree and Florida Bar admission in good standing.
• Integrity: A commitment to impartiality, ethical standards, and the rule of law.
• Judicial Acumen: Ability to adopt hearing rules and provide clear, binding decisions in complex cases.

Nice To Haves

• Preference given to candidates with 10+ years of experience or prior judicial experience as a judge or hearing officer.
• Preference for candidates with 10+ years or prior judicial experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct monthly hearings to address alleged violations of the Town's codes and ordinances.
• Adopt and enforce rules for the conduct of hearings.
• Subpoena violators, witnesses, and evidence, with subpoenas served by the Town Police Department or staff.
• Administer oaths and take testimony under oath.
• Assess civil penalties and issue binding orders to ensure compliance.
• Review and mitigate civil penalties up to 50% of the assessed amount, adhering to established rules and guidelines.
• Provide detailed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders for each case, including decisions on mitigation requests.
• Conduct and manage monthly hearings to address code violations.
• Issue subpoenas for violators, witnesses, and evidence.
• Assess penalties, enforce compliance, and mitigate fines as appropriate.
• Administer oaths, take testimony, and provide legally binding rulings.
• Serve as a trusted legal authority, ensuring fairness and impartiality.

Benefits

• Competitive Rate: $165/hour minimum, DOE/DOQ.
• Flexibility: Monthly hearings, offering balance and purpose.
• Community Impact: Uphold and enforce laws that preserve the quality of life in our vibrant town.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level