Chief Magistrate - Hampton

Commonwealth Of Virginia; Charlton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Virginia seeks a Chief Magistrate for the City of Hampton in Magisterial Region 8. This independent judicial officer will supervise magistrates, build relationships with judges and clerks, and ensure efficient operation across the district.

Responsibilities include training magistrates, applying district policies, addressing issues, and coordinating with regional offices. A strong background in Virginia law and bar eligibility is required, with on‑call availability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Extensive knowledge of the Virginia judicial system, including criminal law and procedures.
• Excellent analytical, decision‑making, and communication skills are required; supervisory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily supervision over magistrates in the district.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate magistrates within the district.
• Implement and apply policies for magistrates in the district.
• Maintain relationships with judges, clerks of court, and local officials.
• Travel within the district, region, and state as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision making

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Commonwealth of Virginia has an opening for a Chief Magistrate position in the City of Hampton, the 8th District in Magisterial Region 8. A Chief Magistrate is an independent judicial officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The Chief Magistrate supervises magistrates and maintains relationships with judges, clerks of court, and other local government officials to ensure efficient functioning of the magistrate system. This position offers a competitive benefits package which includes vacation and sick leave, paid state and federal holidays, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, deferred compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.

A Chief Magistrate is a judicial officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. A Chief Magistrate’s duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• daily supervision over the magistrates he or she supervises;
• recruiting, training, and evaluating the magistrates within the district;
• implementing and applying policies for the magistrates within the district;
• addressing and resolving conflicts and complaints;
• developing and maintaining good relationships with magistrates and other chief magistrates within the region;
• developing and maintaining good relationships with OES departments, courts, and other local agencies;
• completing special projects assigned by the Magistrate Regional Supervisor;
• reviewing and responding to correspondence, emails, and telephone inquiries;
• performing the duties and responsibilities of a magistrate as enumerated in § , when necessary; and
• supporting the Department of Magistrate Services and the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Minimum Qualifications

The most competitive candidates will possess:

Under , a Chief magistrate must meet all of the qualifications of a magistrate under § and must be a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar. Please review § 19.2-36 and §19.2-37 to ensure you are eligible for appointment as a Chief Magistrate.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar, possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, and either be or become a resident of Virginia prior to appointment. Extensive knowledge of the Virginia judicial system, including criminal law and procedures; excellent analytical, decision‑making, and communication skills (written and verbal) are required; and management or supervisory experience is required. The successful candidate must maintain a flexible work schedule and be willing to be on-call at all times.

The most competitive applicants will have demonstrated leadership abilities, demonstrated interpersonal and diplomatic skills, and demonstrated excellence in prior academic or professional endeavors.

Additional Considerations:

Magistrates are subject to the Canons of Conduct for Virginia Magistrates. .

If not currently certified as a magistrate, the successful candidate must attend an intensive training course which focuses on Virginia law and procedure, pass a written examination, and complete a certification process that includes supervised on-the-job training. Overnight travel may be required for students outside the Richmond area.

The position requires a 40-hour work week and the ability to travel throughout the district, region, and state.

All candidates are subject to a criminal history background check. Proof of U.S citizenship and Virginia residency must be provided.

Under § 19.2-37 of the Code of Virginia, no person appointed as a magistrate on or after July 1, 2008, may engage in the practice of law.