United States Magistrate Judge

U.S. Courts; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Courts in Pittsburgh, PA seeks a full-time United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The appointment is subject to approval and will become effective on June 3, 2027 upon the retirement of the current judge. Qualified applicants must be members in good standing of a bar for at least five years, have five years of active legal practice, and meet standards of character, health, and impartiality.

Qualifications

• Be a member in good standing of the bar for at least five years.
• Active practice of law for at least five years (with substitutes).
• Competent to perform all duties with good health and moral character.
• Must be under 70 years old.
• Not related to a district court judge.

Responsibilities

• Preside over cases and manage dockets in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
• Uphold equal justice under the law and ensure fair proceedings.
• Collaborate with district judges and court staff as needed.

Skills

Good moral character

Emotional stability

Deliberation and decisiveness

Interpersonal skills

Courtroom conduct

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active bar membership (≥5 years)

Job description

The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania at Pittsburgh. The vacancy will occur as of June 3, 2027 upon the retirement of current United States Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Dodge.

To be qualified for appointment an applicant must:

• Be, and have been for at least five years, a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands of the United States;
• Have been engaged in the active practice of law for a period of at least five years (with some substitutes authorized);
• Be competent to perform all the duties of the office, of good moral character, emotionally stable and mature, committed to equal justice under the law, in good health, patient, courteous, and capable of deliberation and decisiveness;
• Be less than 70 years old;
• and Not be related to a judge of the district court.