Magistrate

Full Job Description

The Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) is one of the highest volume Courts of Limited Jurisdiction in the State of Washington with seven elected judges, five appointed magistrates and over 200 employees.

SMC is the judicial branch of government for the City of Seattle and is authorized by the State of Washington.

The Court adjudicates all misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes, infractions, and civil violations authorized under the Seattle Municipal Code and certain Revised Code of Washington Statutes.

SMC is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as a full-time, regular Magistrate.

Magistrates preside independently over a wide range of matters, including civil infractions, mitigation and contested hearings, criminal arraignments, first appearances, review hearings, and code-related violations involving public safety, zoning, fire, and building regulations.

Magistrates rule on legal motions; hear and evaluate evidence; assess witness credibility; and issue findings of fact and conclusions of law.

They may also preside over civil trials involving contested infractions and conduct settlement conferences.

Magistrates interact directly with members of the public and must ensure that all court users are afforded a full, fair, and respectful hearing. They are expected to administer the law impartially, maintain courtroom decorum, and uphold the Code of Judicial Conduct at all times.

This recruitment process may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill additional Magistrate vacancies that may arise within the ensuing six (6) months.

You will be most successful in this role if you:

1. Have completed Pro Tempore trainings provided by WSBA/DMCJA or King County
2. Are able to maintain decorum in a courtroom
3. Are a member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing
4. Are available to work an occasional Saturday/holiday and intermittently after-hours
5. Are available on short notice to support judicial absences, including during peak scheduling periods or unexpected vacancies
6. Are able to apply fair and equitable administration of the law while abiding by the Code of Judicial Conduct and applicable RCWs

Requirements

• Conduct hearings on a wide variety of Seattle Municipal Code traffic violations, including those involving automobiles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
• Conduct hearings involving the public’s health and safety including animal control violations, zoning, fire and building code violations.
• Impose appropriate sanctions for violations.
• Serve in formal court as a judge pro tempore when needed. In such situations, the Pro Tempore Judge may preside over in-custody arraignments, pre-trial hearings, motions, criminal trials, and review hearings, as well as presiding over Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

1. Must be an elector of the State of Washington and an attorney admitted to practice law before the courts of record in Washington State
2. Graduate of law with a Bachelor of Law (LLB) or Juris Doctorate (JD) degree
3. Five (5) years in the practice of law, including substantial criminal law experience
4. Knowledge of the Rules of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (CrRLJ)
5. Knowledge of the Rules of Evidence (ER)
6. Knowledge of the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (IRLJ)

Desired Qualifications

1. Possess diplomacy and objectivity in the fulfillment of all job duties.
2. Ability to maintain decorum in a courtroom.
3. Ability to apply fair and equitable administration of the law while providing good customer service.
4. Ability to conduct court business in a manner that brings honor and respect to the organization.
5. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff.
6. Demonstrate a willingness to promote and explain court programs through speaking engagements at community and school events.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING:

• Will have a Juris Doctorate (JD)
• Be a licensed attorney.
• Be a member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing.
• Will have practiced law for at least five years.
• Available to work an occasional Saturday/holiday and intermittently after-hours

Additional Information

Work Environment

This position will primarily be onsite at the Seattle Justice enter at 600 5th Ave, Seattle.Why Work at the CityThe City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications for this position, we invite you to apply.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Compensation

The full salary ange for this position is $59.16 - $88.76. Newly appointed Magistrates will receive an initial hourly rate of $73.96 during their first year of employment.

Hiring Process

• Completed NEOGOV online application and supplemental questions.
• An attached copy of your resume.

An attached letter of interest describing how your skills and experience align with stated job responsibilities and qualifications.

A job offer is contingent upon successfully passing the court's background check. The background check includes a criminal history background review, fingerprinting, and reference checks.

• For more information about the Seattle Municipal Court, visit www.seattle.gov/courts.