Magistrate (Charlotte County)

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS FOR THE 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT?

• Great working environment
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Competitive Benefits Package
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualifying Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan Options
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans 

Key Requirements:

• Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Five years of experience in the practice of law and includingOne year of Civil law required 
• Member in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Judicial/Quasi-judicial experience (preferred)

SUMMARY  

This is a professional and responsible quasi-judicial position assigned to Family and Civil Court, as well as, Probate court including Baker Acts, Marchman Acts and guardianship hearings. The position requires legal conduct appropriate to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and legal research activities at the trial court level in matters referred by the Family Law Judge.  The Magistrate will conduct hearings and trials that involve considerable interpretation and judgment in the analysis of legal issues. The Magistrate is responsible for preparing reports that include findings of fact, recommendations and conclusion of law.  This position is required to report monthly statistics, meet court performance standards and perform administrative duties directly related to the activities of a Magistrate. The Magistrate serves as an integral member of the 20^th Judicial Circuit Court’s case management team and uses differentiated case management principles and time standards that guide family and civil court cases. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Judge, Administrative Judge, Family and Civil Judges, Administrative Service Manager and Civil Division Manager.  

The core functions of this position include: 1) Conduct hearings and trials, 2) Conduct legal research, analysis and writing 3) Prepare reports and recommendations, 4) Review and monitor cases using differentiated case management, and 5) Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  

(1) Conduct Hearings and Trials

• Interpret and make judgment on legal issues
• Conduct trials and hearings in family and civil law matters referred by the Judge
• Prepare Magistrate report that includes findings of fact, recommendations, and conclusion of law

(2) Conduct Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing

• Prepare reports, draft orders, review briefs and research substantive and procedural issue
• Research the application and interpretation of the Florida Rules of Court and Rules of Judicial Administration
• Perform research on particular questions of law as presented by judges sitting in the family and civil division of the court
• Conduct legislative research and tracking of legislation applicable to the court as it pertains to family and civil cases
• Conduct legal research and provide case recommendations and conclusion of law

(3) Prepare Magistrate Report and Recommendations

• Prepare reports that include:
  • Findings of fact
  • Recommendations
  •  Conclusion of law
  • Timely submit reports to the Family and Civil Law Judges 

• Work closely with Family and Civil  Law Judges to manage the progress of complex cases

(5) Other 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily.  The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  A full-time Magistrate cannot have a law practice while employed with the Administrative Office of the Courts.   Part-time or on-call Magistrate positions cannot maintain a law practice in the same area of law in which they perform Magistrate functions or in any area of law which would create any appearance of impropriety or any potential conflict of interest.

Knowledge of:

• General legal principles, statutes, case law, court rules, and procedures
• Legal publications and legal research tools and the ability to use them efficiently
• Legal principles, statutory and case law, court rules and procedures pertaining to family and civil law matters
• Differentiated case management principles
• Rules of Judicial Administration
• Florida State Courts System

Skills:

Ability to:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None