Magistrate

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY: The Magistrate serves in the Case Management Department and reports to the Director of Case Management. The Magistrate presides over civil matters referred by the judge of the court, including hearings and trials, and prepares opinions, decisions, and entries in resolution of these matters.

The essential duties and responsibilities of the position are as follows:

• Presides over civil stalking protection order and sexually-oriented offense protection order ex parte and full hearings.
• Considers matters by general order of referral from the judges of the court, including cases involving forfeiture of property, motions for distribution of excess funds, forcible entry (evictions and damages), replevin and execution, and petitions for court-ordered certificates of title.
• Presides over matters by specific order of referral from the judges of the court comprising civil bench trials and miscellaneous hearings including, but not limited to, preliminary injunctions and Certificate of Qualification for Employment petitions.
• Researches relevant case law to assure that written opinions, decisions, and instructions are based on current statutes and appropriate case law.
• Complies with annual registration with the Ohio Supreme Court’s Office of Attorney Services pursuant to Rule 19 of the Rules of Superintendence for Ohio Courts.
• Complies with the annual continuing legal education requirements for magistrates under Rule X of the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio.
• Participates in the Dayton Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Magistrates, and other relevant professional organizations to enhance knowledge and skills to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Participates in training opportunities, court activities, projects, and committees as requested or required.
• Completes other duties and responsibilities as required.

• Knowledge of: legal research methods and sources, court processes, general legal principles, criminal and civil law, criminal and civil rules of procedure, local rules of court and rules governing the courts of Ohio.
• Ability to: analyze, synthesize, and distinguish legal concepts and materials; work independently.
• Skill in: manual and computerized legal research; evaluating and editing legal documents; writing, organizing and presenting research results; written and verbal communication and operating computer.

All court employees are expected to stay current in their areas of technical expertise; maintain attention to detail; exhibit good organizational skills; work effectively on own initiative and by cooperating with others; engage in active listening; speak and write clearly and concisely; demonstrate good manners, friendly demeanor, and professional behavior; uphold the policies, procedures, and practices of the court; maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information;

and represent the court with honesty and integrity.

The position requires an appropriate combination of formal education, additional training and courses, and work experience. There is not an exact level or mixture of these elements to indicate one will necessarily be successful in, or qualify for, the position.

For example purposes only, an acceptable combination of qualifications for the position is a juris doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school, admission to the Ohio bar, and four years of experience conducting research and writing in a law firm or court environment, and familiarity with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure and the Ohio Rules of Evidence.

Admission, in good standing, to the practice of law in the state of Ohio.

A valid state of Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license is preferred in order to carry out job-related essential functions. Private insurance is required if private vehicle is employed for job-related functions.

The position requires no supervisory duties or responsibilities.