Special Magistrate

City of Tucson•Easley, SC

10d•$70 - $70•Onsite

About The Position

Tucson City Court is currently seeking a qualified individual interested in joining our team as a Special Magistrate. This position is appointed by the City Council to serve a two (2) year term of office and may be reappointed to an additional two (2) year terms. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded legal professional admitted to the practice of law by the Arizona Supreme Court, in good standing, with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, including experience in a trial courtroom setting. Along with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, the Special Magistrate must be able to conduct and control civil and criminal courtroom proceedings. Commitment to the rule of law, public service, professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards are qualities essential to this position. Required knowledge includes general civil and criminal law; court procedures; rules of evidence; appellate procedures; methods of legal research; general court policies and procedures; Microsoft Office products; and other relevant technologies. Special Magistrates are on-call pro tem judges, who serve a two year term, that are used to cover specific events on the court calendar when a full-time City Magistrate is otherwise unavailable to cover their assigned calendar due to illness, vacation, attendance at meetings or training. Special magistrate use is by a court session which is a 4 hour block of time. Work is performed under the supervision of the Presiding Magistrate of the Court. This position does not supervise.

Requirements

Admitted to the practice of law by the Arizona Supreme Court, in good standing.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law.
Experience in a trial courtroom setting.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to conduct and control civil and criminal courtroom proceedings.
Commitment to the rule of law, public service, professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards.
Knowledge of general civil and criminal law.
Knowledge of court procedures.
Knowledge of rules of evidence.
Knowledge of appellate procedures.
Knowledge of methods of legal research.
Knowledge of general court policies and procedures.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
Proficiency in other relevant technologies.
Juris Doctorate
Five (5) years of relevant experience
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
Of good moral character.
A resident of Arizona for one (1) year immediately preceding recommendation for appointment.
Admitted to the practice of law for five (5) years immediately preceding recommendation for appointment

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Presides over a variety of hearings including criminal misdemeanors, civil traffic, code enforcement, parking hearings, ex parte and contested protective orders, animal forfeitures, and other matters within the jurisdiction of Tucson City Court.
Ensures court procedures are followed, and all parties are provided an opportunity to present their case information.
Manages and assigned caseload and courtroom calendar, working with attorneys, litigants, and court staff to set and hold hearings and trials in accordance with local, state and federal requirements and within efficient timeliness.
Makes legal rulings based on information presented and ensures compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
Issues orders in writing and orally on a wide variety of legal issues and procedures.
Performs duties as a backup and / or substitute judge in the event of expected and unexpected absences.
Interacts professionally with self-represented litigants, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, court staff, and other members of the public.
Provides legal guidance to all parties on court procedures.
Mitigates disputes between parties.
All other duties and responsibilities as assigned based on the needs of the court.