Description:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

Preside over traffic and criminal arraignments, including advising defendants of their rights and potential penalties; take guilty, no contest, and not guilty pleas; and recommend appropriate fines, costs, and fees.
Preside over criminal, traffic, and civil trials and render decisions, including forcible entry and detainer, small claims, suspensions imposed by the BMV, replevin, trusteeships, rent escrow, and judgment debtor examinations.
Prepare and file decisions in a timely manner.
Monitor case assignments and case completion to ensure compliance with the established guidelines for case disposition.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge in civil and criminal law practice and procedure relevant to the jurisdiction of the Court. Ability to identify and analyze legal issues, and to identify relevant facts, statutes, rules, and legal precedent. Possession of judicial presence and temperament to preside over and control a busy courtroom. Ability to prioritize work, work independently without daily direct supervision, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously in a high-pressure atmosphere under severe time constraints. Must have good time management skills and be highly organized and detail oriented. Ability to recognize the need for change; respond with flexibility to changing demands; propose solutions; and ensure that solutions are implemented. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing in English to diverse audiences. Proficiency in operating a personal computer and using Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, Word, and Excel; ability to become proficient in the Court's case management system. Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships with judges, employees, and others conducting business with the Court. Ability to interact professionally with a diverse population of people from different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Education and/or Experience:
JD Degree
AND
Four (4) years of experience practicing law.

Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have any of the following qualifications: previous experience as a judge, magistrate, hearing officer, administrative law judge, or similar position; completed mediation training or experience as a mediator in legal matters; prior experience practicing law in a municipal court.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Other Special Requirements
Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Ohio.

A Magistrate is designated as a “full-time Judge” as defined in Division I(A) of the Application section of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct and shall adhere to the provisions of the Code as they apply thereto. The Magistrate may not have a private practice.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Has no direct supervisory responsibility for staff members.

Physical Standards and Working Conditions

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment and office technology such as personal computers, printers and copiers, and phone systems.
Physical Demands: Physical demands of this position include sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods; occasionally lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds; perceiving the nature of sound; near and far vision, depth perception; providing oral information; manual dexterity to operate business related equipment.
Mental Demands: Use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; interpret policies and procedures; use math and mathematical reasoning; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact cooperatively with Court staff, law enforcement, other attorneys, and members of the public.
Work Environment: Potential exposure to hazardous situations that may occur in the court environment. Must be able to tolerate exposure to evidence and testimony that may be disturbing; defendants and other individuals who may be verbally or physically uncooperative; allergens, such as perfumes and dust. May be subject to interruptions, quick deliverables, and changing work deadlines.