Housing Court Magistrate

The Magistrate should be versed in working in a highly fast paced work environment and managing multi job related duties.  The Magistrate will hear and issue recommendations regarding referred civil and criminal cases; to ensure just and timely disposition of matters before the court.  She/he should have effective communication and active listening skills; the ability to prioritize a large number of tasks in a timely manner and work well within a team environment. Knowledge of court system and procedure, and familiarity with Housing Court and Ohio Landlord/Tenant Act is preferred.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
The following duties indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the Magistrate.  They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of this position.   Other duties may be required or assigned at any time.   
 

1. Conduct Civil hearings and trials as assigned by Judge or Chief Magistrate, drafting and submitting recommendations to Judge;
2. Conduct some criminal dockets as assigned;
3. Review civil and criminal motions and recommend rulings, as assigned;
4. Prepare civil and criminal cases for jury trial;
5. Conduct pretrials, case management conferences in civil and some criminal cases;
6. Develop case management schedules and orders in civil and criminal cases;
7. Refer appropriate disputes to mediation;
8. Schedule pretrials, hearings, and trials in pending matters;
9. Advise Housing Court Specialists, other staff on legal issues and procedure;
10. Participate in staff training and development as requested;
11. Research and advise on legal, procedural, and administrative matters as assigned;
12. Participate in community education activities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Law degree from an accredited law school.
2. Good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court.
3. At least four years of experience in the general practice of law.
4. Experience in housing law preferred.
5. Knowledge of court system and procedure.
6. Familiarity with Housing Court and Ohio Landlord/Tenant Act preferred.
7. Knowledge of common office practices, procedures, and equipment.
8. Proficiency in operating a personal computer and using, or being able to learn, Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, and Excel, and Westlaw.
9. Ability to prioritize work, work independently without daily direct supervision.  Must have good time-management skills, be highly organized and detail-oriented.
10. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with judges, Court employees, lawyers, outside agencies, businesses, and the general public.
11. Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
12. Ability to effectively and professionally communicate verbally and in writing in English to diverse audiences.
13. Must be conscious of and sensitive to the diversity within the Court’s jurisdiction and be able to interact professionally with diverse population of people from many different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
14. Professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for the position and expected of a representative of the Court.
15. Demonstrated dependability, reliability, and excellent attendance record.
16. Patience, objectivity, maturity, effectiveness under stress, initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment.

 
The qualifications and requirements listed above are guidelines for selection purposes.  Alternative qualifications may be substituted if considered by the Court to be sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential duties of the position.
 COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE
The Court expects all members of its staff to adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices and procedures; act as a role model both inside and outside the Court; perform duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner; be conscientious about meeting department productivity standards; and communicate regularly with supervisor about department issues.
 
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
The Magistrate is an at-will employee and serves at the pleasure of the Court; she/he is not in the classified civil service system and is not a member of a bargaining unit.  The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.
 
COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIREMENT
 The Cleveland Housing Court considers the health, safety and well-being of our entire community to be a top priority. In alignment with this priority, all new hires must provide proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccination.  
 
DRUG SCREEN AND BACKGROUND CHECK
Any candidate offered a position will be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by the City of Cleveland. These screenings include a criminal background check and drug screen. New hires will be placed on a 180-day probationary period.

Salary : $72,509 - $79,997