Magistrate

Title: Magistrate

State Role Title: Magistrate

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Supreme Court

Location: Harrisonburg RC

Agency Website: www.vacourts.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Commonwealth of Virginia has an opening for a magistrate position in the 4th Magisterial Region. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Magisterial Region 4 is comprised of the Counties of Warren, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, Clarke, Rockingham, Loudoun, Fauquier, Rappahannock, Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Culpeper, Orange, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Goochland. The magistrates will be required to conduct hearings throughout Magisterial Region 4. The magistrate appointed to this position primarily will serve in Frederick County located in the 26th Judicial District. The magistrates must possess a fundamental working knowledge of Virginia civil and criminal law, and demonstrate an ability to impartially and efficiently apply that knowledge in the resolution of legal issues.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

— Conducting neutral and impartial hearings relating to searches, arrests, bail, temporary detentions, and civil issues

— Conducting legal research and analysis

— Ascertaining facts and applying them to relevant legal principles

— Maintaining order and decorum in highly charged, sensitive circumstances

— Receiving and accounting for money




Essential Duties & Responsibilities –


Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:


— Conducting neutral and impartial hearings relating to searches, arrests, bail, temporary detentions, and civil issues

— Conducting legal research and analysis

— Ascertaining facts and applying them to relevant legal principles

— Maintaining order and decorum in highly charged, sensitive circumstances

— Receiving and accounting for money

Minimum Qualifications

— Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education

— Excellent English speaking, listening, and writing skills

— Strong interpersonal skills

— Computer proficiency

Additional Considerations

A fundamental knowledge of Virginia civil and criminal law and the judicial system is essential. Therefore, relevant legal experience, training, or education, including membership in the Virginia State Bar, is a plus.

The successful candidate must be a citizen of the United States and either be or become a resident of Virginia prior to appointment. Candidates must meet all of the qualifications of a magistrate under Va. Code § 19.2-37. The Canons of Conduct for Virginia Magistrates applies to this position. See http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/mag/resources/canons.pdf




If not currently certified as a magistrate, the successful candidate must attend an intensive four-week training course and successfully pass a certification process that includes a written examination and extensive on-the-job training. The successful candidate will be required to sign a training repayment agreement, which will require the magistrate to reimburse, pro-rata, the Office of the Executive Secretary for the cost of providing training in the event that the magistrate leaves employment during training or within two years of completing training.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

This is a full-time position. The work schedule has rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays. This position offers a competitive benefits package, which includes vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, deferred compensation, and short-term and long-term disability.

Contact Information

Name: Te'Aria Bennett

Phone: No Calls

Email: humanresources@vacourts.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.