Magistrate

Title: Magistrate

State Role Title: Magistrate

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Supreme Court

Location: Washington County Territory

Agency Website: www.vacourts.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Commonwealth of Virginia has an opening for a Magistrate position in Magisterial Region 1. A Magistrate is an independent judicial officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Magisterial Region 1 is comprised of the Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe; and the Cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford. The Magistrate may be required to work throughout the Region. The Magistrate’s initial assignment will be in Washington County of the Central Magisterial District. The Magistrate must possess a fundamental working knowledge of Virginia ordinances and laws and have a demonstrated 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 related to searches, arrests, temporary detentions, and bail
-- Conducting legal research and analysis
-- Ascertaining and applying facts 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 institute of higher learning
-- Excellent English speaking, listening, and writing skills
-- Strong interpersonal skills
-- Computer proficiency
-- Preference for law degree or Virginia State Bar license
-- Preference for prior legal system experience

Additional Considerations

This is a full-time position that consists of rotating sessions including weekends and holidays. A fundamental knowledge of criminal law and the judicial system is essential. The successful candidate must be a citizen of the United States, and either be or become a resident of Virginia prior to appointment. If not currently certified as a magistrate, the successful candidate must attend an intensive four-week training course and successfully pass a certification examination within nine months of appointment. This position offers a competitive benefits package, which includes vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, health insurance, retirement, life insurance, deferred compensation and short-and long-term disability.

Training for this position involves a significant investment of time and money. The selectee must successfully complete an academically rigorous training program, which takes a minimum of three months to complete. The person selected for this position will be required to sign a training repayment agreement, which provides for repayment of training related costs if the employer or the employee terminates the employment relationship in less than two years after he or she completes the entire certification process.

State application, resume and cover letter required. STATE APPLICATION MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED. Applicants must apply online. Only interviewed applicants will be notified of the filling of the position. No phone calls or emails regarding application status.

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.

Contact Information

Name: Richette Howell

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.