Magistrate - Military veterans preferred

The Maryland Judiciary offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, continuing education programs, employee assistance programs, and State Retirement and Pension plans.

The Family Division Magistrate is an officer of the Court assigned to conducting proceedings on matters within the Family Division of the Circuit Court for St. Mary's County, as delineated by the Annotated Code of Maryland and in accordance with the Family Differentiated Case Management (DCM) plan, procedures and policies. The Family Division Magistrate must maintain a thorough understanding of court organization and office practices and be able to make independent decisions when dealing with the public and employees. Information obtained during the performance of these duties may be confidential or private in nature. The Family Division Magistrate must recognize that visitors to the Court may be under significant stress and ensure they are treated with dignity and discretion as they obtain court-ordered services. Selection of a candidate for a Family Division Magistrate position is considered by the Circuit Court Bench, and upon appointment, serves under the direct oversight of the Administrative Judge and the Judge in Charge of the Family Division (Family Coordinating Judge). 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 such. The at-will relationship remains in full force and effect, notwithstanding any statements to the contrary made by court personnel or set forth in any documents.

Essential Functions:  

To be successful, the employee in this position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. This job description reflects management?s assignment of essential functions.  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 Judicial Officers and/or the Court Administrator.  Perform such duties as specified in Maryland Rule 9-208.  In addition to conducting those hearings specified in the Rule, a Family Division Magistrate shall provide written or oral findings and recommendations in those cases referred for hearing. Conducts status conferences, scheduling conference hearings and settlement/pre-trial conferences in accordance with the DCM plan for the Family Division. Confer and collaborate with the Family Division Coordinating Judge and/or the Judge in Charge of the Family Division, as well as the staff of Family Division Services, Assignment Office, Family Department of the Clerk of the Court, and Family Division Judges, in implementing and executing the Family Division DCM plan.

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

Experience:  Minimum of Five (5) years of experience practicing law.  

Preferred:       An additional 5 years of experience in the practice of family law in Maryland.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Ability to work the full-time standard work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday) with flexibility to accommodate any necessary 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 communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and to exercise a high degree of judgment, tact, diplomacy, and competence in dealing with Judges, attorneys, court personnel, and the public. Ability to handle multiple tasks and maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with court personnel and the public at all times. Ability to make decisions based on experience, good judgment, and established policies and procedures. Ability to pay attention to detail in composing, typing, and proofing materials; set priorities and simultaneously process multiple duties and responsibilities. Knowledge of and ability to apply fundamentals of professional/legal English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, standard office practices, and procedures. Excellent skills and extensive experience in dealing with a culturally diverse public. Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and professional working relationships with court personnel and the public.

Selection Process:

Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. If you have held more than one (1) position at the same employer, you must list each position that you held, the length of time that you held each position, and the corresponding duties. Description of duties that state, "see resume" will negatively impact consideration for this position. Applicants will not be contacted for additional information. Only applicants considered for this position will be contacted.

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

For further information please contact Talent Acquisition at aocta@mdcourts.gov.

The Maryland Judiciary is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, military or veteran status, 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 during the application and/or interview process should send their request via email to ADA@mdcourts.gov or call 410-260-1732. The Maryland Judiciary is a drug-free workplace. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.

Please find the Maryland Judiciary's equal employment opportunity policy here: Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.