Alternate Judge

Town-of-Flower-Moun; Flower Mound (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Flower Mound is seeking an Alternate Judge to serve as an independent contractor to support Municipal Court operations and magisterial functions in Texas. The position presides in the absence of the Presiding Judge, issues warrants and orders, and ensures fair, efficient adjudication.

Qualified candidates hold a JD, Texas license, US citizen, and at least two years of Texas practice, with availability for evenings, weekends, holidays.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• US citizen and resident of Texas.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience practicing law in Texas.
• Ability to perform judicial and magisterial functions per applicable law.
• Availability to serve on an as-needed basis, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and after-hours duties.

Responsibilities

• Preside over municipal court proceedings in absence of the Presiding Judge.
• Issue warrants, writs, and related judicial orders.
• Set bail and review defendant history for bail determinations.
• Conduct arraignments, dockets, hearings, and special settings as assigned.
• Collaborate with court staff, law enforcement, attorneys, prosecutors, and stakeholders.

Skills

Legal analysis

Public speaking

Courtroom management

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Licensed attorney in Texas

Tools

Tyler Municipal Justice

Video Magistrate

LEADRS

Job description

The Alternate Judge serves as an independent contractor and is appointed by the Town Council. This position serves as needed to support Municipal Court operations and magisterial functions, ensuring the efficient administration of justice and continuity of court services. The Alternate Judge conducts court proceedings in the absence of the Presiding Judge, performs magistrate duties as authorized by Texas law, issues warrants and related judicial orders, and provides fair and impartial adjudication of matters within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Court. Duties may include day, evening, weekend, holiday, and after-hours assignments.

Examples of Duties

• Preside over jury and non-jury trials involving Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, ordinance violations, juvenile matters, and other cases within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Court.
• Conduct arraignments, plea dockets, show‑cause hearings, warrant dockets, and special settings as assigned.
• Interpret and apply municipal ordinances, Texas statutes, judicial decisions, and rules of criminal procedure.
• Perform magisterial functions pursuant to Chapters 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Review probable cause affidavits and supporting documentation and determine whether arrest warrants, search warrants, or other judicial orders should be issued.
• Set bail and bond conditions in accordance with applicable law and constitutional requirements.
• Review defendant criminal history and other legally authorized information when making bail determinations.
• Issue warrants, writs, commitments, emergency protective orders, and related judicial documents as authorized by law.
• Adjudicate cases in a fair, impartial, and efficient manner while maintaining decorum and control of court proceedings.
• Provide coverage for the Presiding Judge during scheduled absences, conflicts, training, vacations, and other periods as assigned.
• Maintain continuing judicial education and remain informed regarding developments in municipal court law and procedure.
• Work collaboratively with court staff, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, prosecutors, and community stakeholders while preserving judicial independence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• United States citizen and resident of the State of Texas.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience practicing law in Texas.
• Ability to perform judicial and magisterial functions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.
• Availability to serve on an as‑needed basis, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and after‑hours warrant and jail‑related duties.

Physical Abilities

* The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must be able to read, write, talk, see, hear, and operate various office equipment.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Desired Qualifications

The Town seeks candidates with substantial municipal court and magistrate experience who can immediately contribute in a fast‑paced and complex court environment.

• Four (4) or more years of municipal court and magisterial experience.
• Experience serving as a municipal judge, associate judge, alternate judge, or magistrate in a medium to large Texas municipality.
• Extensive knowledge of Texas municipal court operations, criminal procedure, evidence, and judicial ethics.
• Experience conducting high‑volume dockets, motion hearings, bench trials, and jury trials.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and make sound judicial decisions under time sensitive conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court personnel, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, elected officials, and the public.
• Experience using municipal court and justice‑related software systems, including Tyler Municipal Justice, Video Magistrate, LEADRS, or similar systems.

Knowledge/ Skills / Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of Texas criminal and municipal law.
• Ability to maintain courtroom control while treating all parties with professionalism and respect.
• Ability to interpret statutes, ordinances, case law, and legal precedents.
• Ability to evaluate facts, evidence, and legal arguments and render decisions in accordance with the law.
• Strong organizational, decision‑making, and time‑management skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing legal requirements and court procedures.
• Proficiency with modern court technology and electronic case management systems.

Work Schedule and Availability

This position serves on an as‑needed basis. The Municipal Alternate Judge must be available to conduct court proceedings, perform magistrate duties, review warrants, and address other judicial matters as assigned. Assignments may occur during regular business hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, and after‑hours periods depending on operational needs.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Three Professional References

Compensation based on structured fee schedule; details provided during the interview process.