Magistrate - Washington County

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Abingdon (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

Paid state and federal holidays

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Life insurance

Deferred compensation

Disability benefits

Job summary

Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a Magistrate for the Abingdon Magistrate Office. The role involves issuing warrants, conducting hearings, and applying Virginia law impartially across the region. A strong emphasis on integrity, professionalism, and public service guides daily responsibilities.

Requirements include U.S. citizenship, Virginia residency, and a bachelor's degree. Comprehensive benefits accompany this permanent position within Region 1, with some travel as needed.

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.
• Fluency in written and spoken English with strong communications skills; ability to interact professionally with coworkers, complainants, petitioners, and witnesses.
• Ability to conduct judicial hearings in a neutral and impartial manner; interpret the Code of Virginia and other legal resources.
• Must be able to properly account for funds and possess general computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Issue arrest warrants and summonses for criminal offenses and other violations of Virginia law.
• Issue search warrants and conduct bail hearings for individuals charged with criminal offenses.
• Admit individuals to bail or commit them to jail as appropriate.
• Issue Emergency Protective Orders and mental health/medical custody orders as required.
• Perform other acts authorized by law within the magisterial duties.
• Operate within the Canons of Conduct for Virginia Magistrates and maintain ethical standards.

Skills

Fluency in English

Interpersonal skills

Reading comprehension

Research Code of Virginia

Judicial hearings

Fact-finding from testimony

Budgeting / funds accounting

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Job description

Title: Magistrate/Attorney

State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

Location: Washington Magistrates' Office

Agency Website: www.vacourts.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Commonwealth of Virginia has an opening for a Magistrate position in the Abingdon Magistrate Office in Magisterial Region 1. Though the primary location for this position is the Abingdon Magistrate Office, a Magistrate is appointed to a Region and may be assigned anywhere within the Region. Region 1 includes Lee, Wise, Scott, Dickenson, Buchanan, Russell, Tazewell, Washington, Smyth, Bland, Giles, Grayson, Wythe, Pulaski, Montgomery, Carroll, and Floyd Counties and the Cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford. Principal offices are in Christiansburg, Wytheville, Hillsville, Dublin, Bristol, Marion, Lebanon, Tazewell, Jonesville, Duffield, and Wise.

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 services 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.

Competitive benefits package includes

• vacation and sick leave


• paid state and federal holidays


• health insurance


• retirement benefits


• life insurance


• deferred compensation


• short-term and long-term disability benefits

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Special Instructions

All applications and required materials must be submitted online.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

No phone calls or e‑mails will be returned regarding application status. Only interviewed applicants will be notified of the filling of the position.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information

Email: [e-mail]