JOB DESCRIPTION:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following (and other duties as assigned per the Judge, Chief Magistrate, Civ. R. 53, and/or Crim. R. 19):
- Conduct and preside over criminal/traffic/probation violation arraignments; felony initial appearances; protection order hearings; bond/bail hearings; restitution hearings; and change of plea proceedings. Conduct trials in all minor misdemeanor and non-jailable criminal cases.
- Conduct and preside over all civil proceedings. This includes but is not limited to:
- Forcible Entry and Detainer hearings; Administrative License Suspension appeals; Show Cause Hearings; and exemption hearings;
- Issue Bankruptcy Stays; Review Financial Disclosure Forms; and make appointed criminal defense counsel determinations;
- Issue decisions regarding all pretrial, post-trial, and post-judgment motions, including but not limited to: motions for summary judgment; default judgments; dismissals; judgment on the pleadings; discovery issues; evidentiary issues; revivors; relief from judgment; and motions to modify/terminate garnishment;
- Conduct pretrials and issue Pretrial/Case Management Orders; and
- Preside over general civil and small claims trials. Decide the merits of the cases, evaluate the evidence and witness credibility, analyze laws, and issue written decisions.
- Review and issue decisions and orders for continuances, extensions for fines and costs, petitions for driving privileges, pretrial seizure vehicle releases, vehicle immobilizations, and pleas in absentia.
- Maintain currency regarding new or amended statutes, rules, procedures, and case law applicable to the Court’s operations.
- Supervise and assign tasks to support staff as appropriate or required.
- Attend educational seminars and annual magistrate conferences. Attend CLE programs as mandated by the Ohio Supreme Court.
- Maintain confidentiality of all court information and work product.
- Comply with the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Develop and maintain proficiency with the Court’s case management system and all other Court systems and programs.
- Demonstrate the ability to efficiently manage a high-volume docket.
These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties to be performed. Other duties may be assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS and ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Possess, acquire, and maintain the technical/professional expertise required to do the job effectively, to identify potential areas of improvement, and to create and implement appropriate solutions.
- Maintain cognitive composure, judicial temperament, and performance capacity under pressure.
- Work effectively and respectfully in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals.
- Organize and prioritize duties and comply with decision completion timeframes.
- Maintain accurate records and observe and enforce the necessity for confidentiality.
- Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
- Possess working knowledge of general law; rules of evidence; rules of civil procedure; rules of criminal procedure; rules of superintendence for the courts of Ohio; legal principles and terminology.
- Maintain professionalism with the Judge, other Magistrates, attorneys, court staff, and public.
- Control courtroom conduct/process, diffuse hostile situations, and enforce decorum.
- Possess excellent analytical, communication, research, and writing skills.
- Must exhibit high standards of integrity and display a courteous, professional and cooperative attitude.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Six (6) years in the practice of law as an attorney in continuous and uninterrupted good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio.
- Possess and maintain a valid license to practice law in the State of Ohio.
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position requires that the employee spend the working day in an administrative office atmosphere at a computer for extended periods of time. The employee will be standing, bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, kneeling and reaching, as well as sitting continuously at a desk or work station for 6 or more hours a day.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Qualified applicants may be required to submit to testing and provide writing samples. Proof of education and employment references will be required before final interview. Employment predicated upon successful completion of criminal record check and drug testing.
For more information or to obtain an application contact: mmc@medinamunicipalcourt.org
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