Standing Master

Iowa Judicial Branch; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 48,984 - 69,765; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work/life balance

Family-friendly policies

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation and sick leave

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

The Iowa Judicial Branch is seeking a Standing Master in Great Falls, Montana, responsible for hearing and ruling on various court proceedings. Candidates must possess a law degree and at least three years of legal practice in Montana.

Responsibilities include handling criminal and civil cases, conducting hearings, and mediating disputes. The salary for this position is $43.10 per hour, with various benefits ensuring work-life balance and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years practicing law in Montana before application.
• Possession of current Certificate of Admission to Montana Bar.
• Completion of required continuing legal education.

Responsibilities

• Hearing and ruling on proceedings in criminal cases.
• Mediating and conducting settlement conferences in civil matters.
• Interpreting and applying statutes and regulations.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws

Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence

Ability to apply legal principles to cases

Ability to prepare for hearings

Skill in operating a personal computer

Education

Graduation from an accredited law school

Job description

Standing Master - (25143067) Position will be posted until filled.

Job Overview

Working under the direction of Judges in the 8th Judicial District, the successful candidate will be responsible for hearing and ruling on proceedings, researching issues, and writing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders. The Standing Master conducts preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, including arraignments, initial appearances on warrants, probation revocation hearings, and bail hearings; conducts plea‑change hearings; and handles temporary and final hearings, as well as modification hearings in domestic relations matters such as parenting plans, property distribution, maintenance, and family support cases. The standing master mediates and conducts settlement conferences in civil matters, leads discovery conferences, rules on discovery motions, conducts civil trials, and renders judgments. The candidate may require the production of evidence, rule on admissibility, place witnesses on oath, and examine parties on oath, issuing temporary orders. The Standing Master must interpret and apply statutes, case law, and regulations pertinent to each case and exercise substantial discretion and independent judgment within the framework of state laws and rules of procedure.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws and court rulings relevant to the assignment area.
• Extensive knowledge of established precedents and legal reference sources.
• Extensive knowledge of court procedures, rules of evidence, and courtroom protocols.
• Ability to apply legal principles and specialized knowledge to cases and problems.
• Ability to prepare for hearings and conduct difficult cases, presenting materials clearly and logically in oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to handle unhappy or unstable litigants.
• Ability to counsel individuals on sensitive issues.
• Skill in operating a personal computer.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in an office or courtroom with extensive public contact; potential exposure to dangerous situations from unpredictable litigants or parties.

Physical Demands

• Duty primarily sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items under 25 pounds.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with at least three years of practicing law in Montana prior to appointment.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

• Possession of a current Certificate of Admission to the Bar of the State of Montana and eligibility to practice law before Montana courts; completion of required continuing legal education courses.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family‑friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays (up to 38 days per year)
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility under the PSLF program

Salary and Location

Salary: $43.10 – $43.10 per hour. Location: Great Falls, Montana.

The State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.