Special Magistrate

City of Tucson•Easley, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Tucson City Court is seeking attorneys to serve as Special Magistrates. The position is appointed by the City Council for a two-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional two-year term. Work is performed under the supervision of the Presiding Magistrate, and the position does not supervise other employees. The role is part-time and on-site at the City Court Office; remote or hybrid arrangements are not available. Special Magistrates are paid $175 for each four-hour half-day of service, and volunteer service is also welcome. Training is provided, and scheduling may accommodate attorneys available for certain sessions. Appointed attorneys must be willing to give up their practice in City Court. The successful candidate will be a well-rounded legal professional admitted to practice by the Arizona Supreme Court and in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona. Candidates must have at least five years of legal practice experience, including experience in a trial courtroom setting, and must meet the stated Arizona residency and character requirements. The role requires effective oral and written communication, the ability to conduct and control civil and criminal courtroom proceedings, and commitment to public service, professionalism, integrity, the rule of law, and high ethical standards. The work includes adjudicating specified civil, traffic, criminal, domestic violence, injunctive-order, and municipal-code matters; issuing legal instruments; conducting legal research; reviewing proposed legislation for its impact on court operations; and maintaining courtroom order. The work is performed mostly in an office environment.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
At least five years of relevant legal experience and five years admitted to the practice of law immediately preceding recommendation for appointment.
Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
Arizona resident for one year immediately preceding recommendation for appointment.
Good moral character.
Experience in a trial courtroom setting.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to conduct and control civil and criminal courtroom proceedings.
Knowledge of general civil and criminal law, court procedures, rules of evidence, appellate procedures, legal research methods, court policies and procedures, Microsoft Office products, and other relevant technologies.
Commitment to the rule of law, public service, professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards.
Willingness, if appointed, to give up the attorney's practice in City Court.
Completion of the application questionnaire and upload of an Arizona Bar card before the position closes.

Nice To Haves

Criminal trial experience.
Limited-jurisdiction trial court experience as a judge or litigating attorney.

Responsibilities

Preside over and adjudicate civil traffic, criminal traffic, misdemeanor, domestic violence, injunctive orders, and municipal code cases.
Issue legal instruments, including search and arrest warrants, summonses, subpoenas, injunctive orders, probation orders, and sentencing documents.
Review proposed city and state legislation for its impact on court operations and procedures.
Conduct legal research to support rulings, ensure compliance, and interpret statutes and case law.
Maintain order in the courtroom during trials and hearings.
Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.