Municipal Judge

Municipal Judge

Summary: Under limited supervision, interprets, applies, and enforces civil and criminal law in the Odessa Municipal Court; serves as City Magistrate, presides over court cases, supervises staff, manages court files and dockets, 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 within the jurisdictional limits of Texas Municipal Courts and performs the full duties of the office as defined by law
• Performs technical, legal, and administrative duties in managing the court and official records, supervising and controlling the operation and clerical functions of the administrative department of each court, including the court's personnel, during the proceedings of the court,
• Assigns cases to Associate and Alternate Municipal Court Judges.
• Presides over administrative hearings, court hearings, jury trials, and bench trials; processes and adjudicates criminal and civil cases in accordance with state and federal statutes, City ordinances, 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 ordinances, policies, and goals.
• 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.
• Analyzes operational information, evaluates trends, and assures court issues are properly addressed and resolved; processes administrative documents, develops budget, and prepares summary reports.
• Monitors changes in state and federal regulations, standards, and legislation governing municipalities.
• Manages and trains staff; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve assignments, priorities, workload, technical issues, and quality standards; assures that quality standards are met, and appropriate services are provided.
• Supports the departmental 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; a minimum of two year's practice of law in the state of Texas is required, five years' experience in a public sector legal practice including experience with criminal and civil law in the state of Texas is preferred.

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 administrative management, including budgeting and employee supervision.
• 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.
• Managing and coordinating the operations of the Municipal Court.
• 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.
• Managing and leading staff, and delegating tasks and authority.
• 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 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 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 : $99,253 - $134,270