Magistrate

This position is responsible professional legal work calendaring and conducting hearings and trials. The Magistrate takes and evaluates evidence and testimony from witnesses and technical experts, uses that information in making findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations for the Circuit Court Judges. The Magistrate hears post-judgment family matters, juvenile judicial reviews, and contempt hearings, and hearings pursuant to the Marchman Act and Baker Act. This position reports directly to the Chief Judge or a designee. The Chief Judge assigns the Magistrate to hear cases in any division which includes: Family, Juvenile, probate or any other division the Chief Judge may select.  

• Review judge’s orders of referral and conducts legal research in preparation for hearing family law cases
• Schedule cases and conducts hearings in compliance with applicable regulations and laws
• Gather data in the form of documentary evidence and testimony
• Prepare recommended orders or reports and recommendations and conduct legal research related to hearings to make case determination
• Review recommended orders or reports and recommendations submitted by attorneys and considers related research and information presented at hearings to make case determination; in the form of recommended orders and reports to the courts
• Takes and evaluates evidence and testimony from witnesses and technical experts and uses that in making legal factual recommendations 
• Makes ruling on pre-trial and post judgement motions including discovery, dismissal and motions for relief, clarification and re-hearings

Graduate from an accredited law school, membership in good standing in the Florida Bar and five years of experience in the practice of law including at least one year of experience in family law.

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply Florida statutes, case law and Florida rules of Court.
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence and the ability to take evidence.
• Ability to work with litigants who are in stressful situations.        
• Possess a professional, collaborative, and upbeat approach to their work and leadership style. 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, 
• Ability to prioritize and work under tight deadlines are essential to success in the role. 
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, attention to detail and advanced proficiency with and Microsoft Office Suite and JVS or other case management system.  
• Demonstrated ability to interact with a diverse set of people in an open and friendly manner.

During the Application Process please upload the following ATTACHMENTS:

• Brief writing sample, between three and five pages in length

NOTICE: 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the position is filled.  Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview.  Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discrimination against any class of people.   

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in the interviewing process once selected, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, Palm Beach County Courthouse, 205 North Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, Florida 33401; telephone number (561) 355-4380 at least 7 days before your scheduled either in-person or telephonic interview; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711.”

Salary : $105,441