Magistrate

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Life insurance

Deferred compensation

Disability insurance

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a Magistrate for the Norfolk Magistrate Office. The role requires issuing warrants, conducting hearings, and applying the Code of Virginia to ensure lawful decisions. Appointments may cover Region 7 including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, and surrounding areas.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, Virginia residents, and hold a bachelor’s degree. Training is provided if not already magistrate-certified; background checks and canons adherence are

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• U.S. citizenship and Virginia residency required.
• Criminal history background check.
• Must attend intensive training if not certified as Magistrate.
• Ability to interpret the Code of Virginia and related legal resources.

Responsibilities

• Issue arrest warrants and summonses.
• Issue search warrants.
• Conduct bail hearings and determine custody.
• Issue Emergency Protective Orders and other orders as authorized by law.
• Perform other acts or functions authorized by law.

Skills

English fluency

Interpersonal skills

Reading comprehension

Legal research

Hearing procedures

Fact finding

Fund accounting

Computer proficiency

Typing skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Bar admission

Job description

Title: Magistrate

State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

Location: Norfolk Magistrates' Office

Agency Website: www.vacourts.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Additional Detail

Job Duties

The Commonwealth of Virginia has an opening for a Magistrate position in the Norfolk Magistrate Office in Magisterial Region 7. Although the primary location for this position is the Norfolk Magistrate Office, a Magistrate is appointed to a Region and may be assigned anywhere within the Region. Region 7 includes Accomack and Northampton Counties and the Cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Principal offices are in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Accomack, and Eastville.

A Magistrate is a judicial officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. A Magistrate’s duties and responsibilities include:

• Issuing arrest warrants and summonses for criminal offenses and other violations of Virginia law;
• Issuing search warrants;
• Conducting bail hearings and admitting persons charged with criminal offenses to bail or committing them to jail;
• Issuing Emergency Protective Orders;
• Issuing mental health and medical custody and detention orders; and
• Performing other acts or functions authorized by law.

Magistrate offices are open 7 days per week 24 hours per day, including weekends and holidays, and the specific schedule may vary. Magistrates work under the supervision of a Chief Magistrate. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Under § 19.2-37 of the Code of Virginia, a Magistrate must be a United States citizen, be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Please review § 19.2-37 to ensure you are eligible for appointment as a Magistrate.

Additional Considerations

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

Transcripts for all undergraduate and post-graduate education must be provided before the start of employment.

A successful applicant must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Fluency in written and spoken English with strong communications skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact in a professional manner with coworkers, complainants, petitioners, and witnesses, including law enforcement officers;
• Strong reading comprehension skills;
• Ability to research and interpret the Code of Virginia and other legal resources;
• Ability to conduct judicial hearings in a neutral and impartial manner;
• Ability to ascertain facts from oral testimony and written submissions and apply them to relevant legal principles;
• Ability to properly account for funds; and
• General computer proficiency and typing skills.

A successful applicant may also:

• Possess relevant legal experience, training, or education; and/or
• Be a member of Virginia State Bar.

Magistrates are subject to the Canons of Conduct for Virginia Magistrates. See http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/mag/resources/canons.pdf.

If not previously 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.

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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

The most competitive candidates will possess:

Contact Information

Email: [e-mail]

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer