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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Associate Judge
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 10735 Salary Grade: MB4
Approved: April 01, 1994 Last Revised: February 23, 2018

Purpose:
 

Work independently as a municipal judge and magistrate as assigned by the presiding judge.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Presides at bench and jury trials, supervises courtroom personnel during trials, and drafts jury charges.
  2. Presides at pre-trial and post-trial hearings.
  3. Reviews probable cause affidavits and search warrants for all range of criminal offenses.
  4. Presides at appearance dockets including traffic, misdemeanor, attorney appearance, City code/environmental, and show cause hearings.
  5. Reviews plea bargains negotiated between prosecutors and defendants/defense counsel.
  6. Presides at administrative appeals.
  7. Presides at “safe harbor” (walk-in) court.
  8. Performs duties of a magistrate enumerated in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.17.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

Limited supervision of courtroom staff.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of judicial procedures.
  • Knowledge of civil and criminal law.
  • Knowledge of the Municipal codes and State laws.
  • Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances as it applies to this position.
  • Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
  • Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
  • Skill in organizing, interpreting and applying legal principles to complex legal problems.
  • Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of criminal/civil law.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation from an accredited school of law, plus two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney in the State of Texas.
  • Residency in the City of Austin for a period of not less than two (2) years immediately preceding appointment is required.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

Member in good standing State Bar of Texas.

 

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.