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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Presiding Judge
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 17105 Salary Grade: MB5
Approved: October 24, 1997 Last Revised: February 23, 2018

Purpose:
 

Performs the oversight and managerial duties of the Austin Municipal Court set forth in the Austin City Code, Article 2, Section 2-10-21, applicable Council Resolutions, and any other duties required by law.
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. Represents the court on various community boards and commissions. Attends Judicial Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
  2. Identifies legislative issues affecting the court and provides assistance to city staff.
  3. Adopts rules for the orderly trial of a case in the municipal court.
  4. Develops educational opportunities for the judges and provides updates on changes in laws or policies pertaining to court.
  5. Evaluates the performance of each judge on criteria other than a decision made in a judicial proceeding and forward the evaluation to the Council.
  6. Assigns municipal judges to exchange benches and to act for each other in pending proceedings.
  7. Provides input for the Municipal Court budget and business planning. Monitors and approves expenditures for the judiciary.
  8. Works with the presiding judges of the Travis District and County Courts to develop mutually agreed policies and procedures.
  9. Reviews and responds to requests for information or complaints received from the public, law enforcement and media. Responds to written correspondence directed to the judiciary.
  10. Maintains a central docket for the cases within the municipal court’s jurisdiction. Provides assistance to other judges during dockets as needed.
  11. Reviews requests by local non-profit organizations to be included on the court’s community service roster.
  12. Performs all duties of an Associate Judge.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including training and evaluation of judges as well as oversight of court management and operations. 
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 Municipal codes and State laws.
  • Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances related to the jurisdiction of Municipal Court.
  • Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  • Skill in effective oral and written communication.
  • 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 organize, interpret and apply legal principles to complex legal problems.
  • Ability to direct and assign the work of others.
  • Ability to supervise personnel.
  • 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.
  • Ability to train others.
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 of the 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.