Associate Municipal Court Judge

Associate Municipal Court Judge

Summary: Under general supervision, interprets, applies, and enforces civil and criminal law in the Odessa Municipal Court; serves as City Magistrate, presides over court cases, manages court files and docket, and performs judicial duties according to state and federal laws and City ordinances.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as City Magistrate, presides over court proceedings in Municipal Court, and performs the full duties of the office as defined by law.
• Presides over administrative hearings, court hearings, jury trials, and bench trials; processes and adjudicates criminal and civil cases in accordance with Texas Penal Codes, state and federal statutes, and court rules and procedures.
• Exercises independent judgment within specific legal guidelines; assures official Municipal Court activities are in compliance with federal and state laws, and City policies and goals.
• Meets with juvenile clients and parents/guardians to discuss and resolve technical issues.
• Reviews and signs court filings, motions, rulings, warrants and other legal documents; issues judicial process documents to compel appearances in court and compliance to legal rulings.
• Monitors changes in state and federal regulations, standards, and legislation governing municipalities.
• Supports the divisional operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Juris Doctorate Degree is required; AND five years' experience in a public sector legal practice, including experience with criminal and civil law, preferably in the state of Texas.

Knowledge of:

• Duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a Municipal Court Judge.
• State of Texas criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
• Texas judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
• Legal case management procedures, ethics, and techniques.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.
• Current political and economic trends in municipal, state, and federal government.
• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.

Skill in:

• Reviewing and assessing legal issues, and applying justice in a fair, equitable and expedient manner.
• Listening, researching, analyzing, interpreting, and making case determinations in accordance with judicial procedures and practices.
• Drafting and presenting oral and written instructions.
• Reviewing, understanding, interpreting, and analyzing complex civil and criminal laws and regulations.
• Assessing the veracity of defendants, and applying justice in a fair and equitable manner.
• Applying legal and psychological concepts in the administration of justice.
• Reviewing and assessing legal issues and documents.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships and open communications with City employees, law enforcement agencies, court and justice system representatives, and advocate groups.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required. Must be a member of the Texas State Bar Association, licensed to practice law in the state of Texas and Federal District Court, and remain active with all Texas Bar annual requirements.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Other: Residency within the City during tenure of office is mandatory.

Salary : $85,727 - $115,996