Chief Presiding Judge

Overview

THE CITY — Over 1.6 million people call Phoenix home, known as the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States with a rich culture and numerous attractions for residents and visitors alike, including museums, nature parks, restaurants, and a broad network of arts, entertainment, sports, recreational, and educational amenities.

About this position — The City of Phoenix invites applications for the position of Chief Presiding Judge. This executive-level role will lead the judicial branch and perform professional legal and administrative work as the administrative head of the Municipal Court.

The City of Phoenix is looking for a knowledgeable and collaborative leader to fill the position of Chief Presiding Judge. This executive-level position will lead the judicial branch and perform professional legal and administrative work while serving as the administrative head of the Municipal Court. Responsibilities include complying with the Constitution and laws of the State, rules and directives of the Supreme Court, and charter provisions and ordinances of the City.

The Court has original jurisdiction of all proceedings for the violation of any ordinance of the City and concurrent jurisdiction over all misdemeanor violations of the law of the State, committed within the City. The Municipal Court tries both jury and nonjury cases. The Court is not a court of record. The Court’s decisions are subject to review by a higher court by way of an appeal of special action.

Supervision is exercised over City Judges and management staff. This individual reports to the Mayor and City Council.

• Supervises the work of other City Judges and the management staff, counsels them regarding all matter of policy, procedures and effective sentencing and offers suggestions and corrections;
• Supervises the work of other employees concerned with Court operations;
• Presides at arraignments, pre-trial conferences, trials and other special hearings in court and hears and disposes of cases;
• Performs extensive public relations activities;
• Reviews and supervises the maintenance of the trial docket;
• Approves bonds and signs criminal warrants and other legal documents;
• Assigns City Court Judges to serve in the divisions of the City Court;
• Records actions of the City Court;
• Appoints and removes, subject to the civil service of the City of Phoenix, for cause, all Court officers and personnel except City Court Judges;
• Prepares and supervises all arraignment, trial and sentencing schedules and other Court schedules as deems necessary;
• Collects, safekeeps and transfers to the City Treasurer, all fines, penalties and fees collected in City Court except as otherwise provided by law;
• Files all reports required by the Constitution and Statutes of the State, and Charter and Ordinances of the City;
• Adopts regulations for the internal administration of the Court such as: records management, access and safekeeping; information dissemination; public relations;
  Court security; personnel conduct and intra-departmental contact;
• Prepares and administers the annual budget;
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance;
• Demonstrates superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity;
• Works more than forty hours in a workweek without additional compensation to perform assigned job duties, including weekends, evenings, early morning hours, and holidays as required;

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, and training.

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employer paid long-term disability
• Free Bus/light rail pass
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi

• Five years of experience in work involving considerable public contact, with responsible experience in community or civic organizations.
• Including at least three years of judicial experience to that of City Judge or higher.
• Law degree from an accredited college or university.
• Other combinations of education and experience which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• Some…