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 & Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Matthews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland, York, and the cities of Fredericksburg, Poquoson, Richmond, West Point, and Williamsburg. The magistrate will be required to conduct hearings throughout Magisterial Region 6. Initially, the Magistrate appointed to this position will serve primarily in the Richmond City Office but may serve in other offices in Region 6 as needed. 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

Minimum Qualifications

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

—Excellent English speaking, listening, and writing skills

—Strong interpersonal skills

—Computer proficiency

Preferred Qualifications

—Preference for prior legal system experience

—Law degree or Virginia State Bar license a plus

Special Requirements

Special Instructions to Applicants

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.

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.

State application, resume, and cover letter required.

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

If you have your unofficial transcript (s), please upload it under Applicant Documents.

Applicants must apply online; we do not accept documents via mail or email. Only interviewed applicants will be notified of the filling of the position. No phone calls or e-mails regarding application status.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – Employment at an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Learn more to see whether you might qualify! https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

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 by emailing humanresources@vacourts.gov. All candidates are subject to a criminal history background check before being offered employment.