MagistrateMaryland State Judiciary

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.

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The Family Law Magistrate is an officer of the Court assigned to handle matters related to family law, including but not limited to child custody, child support, divorce, alimony, marital property, and contempt. The Family Law Magistrate also handles oral examinations in aid of enforcement of a judgment, as well as other matters referred to by the judges and included in the Circuit Court's Family Differentiated Case Management (DCM) Plan, procedures, and policies. 

The Family Magistrate must maintain a thorough understanding of Court organization, practices, and procedures, and be able to make independent decisions in dealing with the public and employees. Information obtained in the course of the performance of these duties may be confidential or private in nature. The Family Law Magistrate must recognize that visitors to the Court may be under significant stress and ensure that they are treated with dignity and discretion as they obtain court-ordered services. 

Selection of a candidate for a Family Law Magistrate position is considered by a majority of the Circuit Court judges, and upon appointment, serves under the direct oversight of the Administrative Judge and the Administrative Judge's designee. The Family Law Magistrate is an at-will employee and serves at the discretion of the Administrative Judge. This means that either the employee, or the Administrative Judge, may terminate the employee relationship at any time, with or without cause. There are no contractual relationships between the Circuit Court and the employee; letters, benefit or policy statements, performance evaluation, 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 Job Functions:  

To be successful, the employee in this position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. This job description reflects an assessment of the essential functions of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and does not prescribe or restrict various additional diversified tasks and assignments that may be required by the Administrative Judge and/or the Administrative Judge's designee. 

The Family Magistrate shall perform all duties specified in Maryland Rule 9-208, and the Court's DCM Plan. In addition to conducting hearings, a Family Magistrate shall provide timely written findings and recommendations in cases heard; conduct scheduling conference hearings; and confer and collaborate with other court personnel, including but not limited to judges, the Family Law Case Coordinator, ADR Coordinator, Office of Family Court Services, and with the Office of the Clerk of Court. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

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

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing law.

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

Note:

In addition to filling out an online application through www.mdcourts.gov/careers, please send the following items to Michelle.Plummer@mdcourts.gov: 

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Writing Sample
4. List of three references

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A successful applicant for the position must be able to:

Work a full-time standard work schedule of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) with flexibility to accommodate any necessary early or late meetings/hearings. 

Maintain a regular, punctual, and reliable level of attendance. 

Work independently but in accordance with the practices and procedures of the Circuit Court.

Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations, 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. 

Handle multiple tasks and maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with court personnel and the public at all times.

Make decisions based on law, sound judgment, and established policies and procedures. 

Demonstrate careful attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials.

Set priorities and simultaneously process multiple duties and responsibilities.

Apply fundamentals of professional/legal English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 

Demonstrate strong writing and communication skills. 

Comply with Maryland Code of Conduct for Judicial Appointees.

Professionally deal with a diverse public, including non-English speaking litigants who appear for hearings with the aid of an interpreter. 

Develop and maintain collaborative and professional working relationships with court personnel and the public.

Work under tight timelines to render written reports and recommendations. 

Manage dockets and schedule hearings in a timely fashion. 

Comply with mandatory yearly Maryland Judiciary education training and other training as required.   

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.