Magistrate

Title: Magistrate

State Role Title: Magistrate

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Supreme Court

Location: James City 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 6. A Magistrate is an independent judicial officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Magisterial Region 6 is comprised of the Counties of Caroline, Charles City, Essex, Gloucester, Hanover, Henrico, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Matthews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland, and York; and the Cities of Fredericksburg, Poquoson, Richmond, and Williamsburg. The Magistrates will be required to conduct hearings throughout Magisterial Region 6. Initially, the Magistrate appointed to this position will serve primarily in the James City County Office of the 9th Judicial District, however they may be required to sit in any location in the Region. 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, temporary detentions, civil issues 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 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 including 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 the Office of the Executive Secretary for the cost of providing training in the event that the magistrate remains employed for less than two years from the date of certification as a magistrate.

This is a full-time position with a work schedule that consists of rotating shifts including weekends and holidays. 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.

State application, resume and cover letter required.

STATE APPLICATION MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.

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.

Applicants must apply online. Only interviewed applicants will be notified of the filling of the position. No phone calls or e-mails regarding application status.

The Virginia Judicial System is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Applicants who need accommodations for an interview should request this in advance. All candidates are subject to a criminal history background check before being offered employment.

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.