JACKSONVILLE – City Magistrate

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

The Courts Department is actively seeking a City Magistrate.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.

The essential function of the position within the organization is to conduct hearings and submit recommended Orders/Judgments on matters referred to the Magistrates by judges. The position is responsible for setting referred cases for hearing, conducting hearings, making decisions on cases and preparing Orders/Judgments that include findings of facts, conclusions of law and recommendation for the referring judge’s review. The position works under the general supervision of a Chief Judge or designee.

Examples of Work

• Manage and review judge’s orders of referral, review the dockets and conduct legal research in preparation for hearings of family law/probate/dependency/civil cases.
• Make rulings on pre-trial and post judgement motions including discovery, dismissals, motions for temporary relief, clarification and re-hearings.
• Schedule cases and conduct hearings in compliance with applicable regulations and laws.
• Take and evaluate evidence and testimony from witnesses and technical experts and use that information in making legal factual recommendations, rule on evidentiary objections.
• Consider/analyze related research and information presented at hearings to make case determinations in the form of recommended orders/judgments to the courts.
• Timely prepare recommended Orders/Judgments which include findings of facts and conclusions of law for the referring judge’s review and signature at the conclusion of hearings.
• Read professional journals, updates of case law and attend conferences to stay current on the rules and statutes governing the assigned areas.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be conversant with dependency and other family law proceedings in accordance with Chapters 39, 61, 63 and 742.
• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply Florida statutes and case law concerning dependency and family matters.
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence and the ability to take evidence.
• Knowledge of civil, family, and juvenile procedures.
• Ability to work with litigants who are in stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly.

Open Requirements/Supplemental Information

• Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Five years of experience in the practice of law, including one year in family law.
• Requires membership in good standing in the Florida Bar.
• The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.
• The successful applicant will be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting a criminal history record check.
• Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.