Magistrate (Juvenile)

To be successful, the employee in this position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The successful candidate will also be trained to handle proceedings, with the primary responsibilities of this position dealing with child abuse and neglect/CINA matters and juvenile delinquency. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. It does not prescribe or restrict various additional diversified tasks and assignments that may be required by the Bench and/or the Court Administrator. Perform such duties as specified in Maryland Rule 11 and applicable case law. The Magistrate shall provide timely written and oral findings and recommendations; conduct scheduling conferences, hearings, and settlement/pre-trial conferences; confer and collaborate with the various agencies associated with the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, along with the Department of Juvenile Services, and Department of Social Services, Juvenile Court Administrator Coordinator and Judge in Charge of the Juvenile Division, as well as the staff of the Circuit Court. The Magistrate must be willing to travel for continuing education throughout the State and to other courts within the Eight Judicial Circuit (Baltimore City) as needed. Additional, training and conferences related to the Juvenile Justice may be offered and require travel out of state.

Education: Juris Doctorate and a member of the Maryland Bar in good standing.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing law in Maryland.

Preferred: Minimum of 10 years of experience practicing juvenile/family law in Maryland. Mediation training or experience also preferred.

Note: All applicants must complete the online application process to be considered for this vacancy. After completing the online application, please send the following requested documents via email to Shannon.Colvin@mdcourts.gov.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample
• Please Provide four References that may be contacted

Skills/Abilities: Ability to work the full-time standard work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) with flexibility to accommodate early or late meetings. Maintain a regular, punctual, and reliable level of attendance. Ability to work independently and have high-level interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and exercise a high degree of judgment, tact, diplomacy, and competence in dealing with judges, attorneys, court personnel, self-represented litigants, limited-English speakers, and a culturally diverse public. Ability to make timely decisions based on the law, rules, experience, good judgment, and established policies and procedures. Ability to write effectively clearly, with attention to detail when composing, typing, and proofing materials while providing decisions supported by the law, Rules, Code, and fundamentals of the English language. Proficiency in setting priorities while simultaneously processing multiple duties and responsibilities. Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and professional working relationships with court personnel, the bar, local stakeholders, and the public. Retain a high standard of ethics to uphold the law and remain impartial, neutral, and free from bias at all times.

At-Will Employment: The selection of a candidate for a Magistrate position is considered by the Circuit Court Bench and, upon appointment, serves under the direct oversight of the Administrative Judge and the Court Administrator. Circuit Court employees are at-will employees and serve at the discretion of the Administrative Judge. This means that either an employee or the Court may terminate the employee relationship at any time, with or without cause. There are no contractual relationships between the Circuit Court and an employee. Letters, benefit or policy statements, performance evaluations, handbooks, or other employee communications should not be interpreted as a contractual relationship. The at-will relationship remains in full force and effect, notwithstanding any statements to the contrary made by court personnel or outlined in any documents. Any attorney appointed to this position may not engage in the practice of law.

The Maryland Judiciary is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, familial status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. Applicants who need an ADA Accommodation for an interview should request the accommodation when notified of a request to be interviewed. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.