Justice Court Judge

Position Title:

Justice Court Judge

Job Description:

Primary responsibility is to preside over and hear criminal and traffic cases and perform other judicial duties, as defined by statute and the State Judicial Council.

As appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, incumbent is exempt from the career service system and may only be removed from office in accordance with procedures set forth in Utah Code. Upon completion of an initial term, each judge shall be subject to an unopposed retention election as set forth in Utah Code, Section 20A-12-201. The length of each subsequent term of office following the date of election is six years beginning the first Monday in January.

As per Utah Code (Section 78A-7-206), a full-time justice court judge’s salary may not be set at less than 50% nor more than 90% of a district court judge’s salary.

Please apply online at https://justicecourtvacancies.utah.gov/

Position Salary: $200,210.40

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs court duties in compliance with all statutory standards for the operation of Justice Courts, all standards promulgated by the Judicial Council and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
• Attends court as scheduled and conducts judicial duties professionally and in compliance with all applicable policies, rules of evidence and procedure and with due regard to the rights and interests of all parties, victims and other affected persons and entities.
• Prior to court, organizes and analyzes a large number of cases.  In court, rapidly gathers and assimilates large volumes of pertinent court related facts, counsels others regarding the law, their rights and standard court procedures and retains familiarity with case law and applies principals to current cases. Works to ensure that daily court activities proceed efficiently and coordinates with City departments, plaintiffs, and defendants to ensure that cases are heard expeditiously.  Maintains level of patience and empathy and constructively renders decisions.
• Maintains appropriate and professional conduct and communication with Justice Court staff and administrators, police officers, attorneys and their clients, other Justice Court judges and the general public

Minimum Qualifications:

• The minimum requirements as listed in Utah Code (78A-7-201) include:
• Being a citizen of the United States,
• 25 years of age or older
• A resident of Utah for at least three years immediately preceding appointment
• A resident of Salt Lake County or an adjacent county for at least six months immediately preceding appointment and
• A qualified voter of the county of residence.
• High school diploma or equivalent plus five years related experience.
• Demonstrated maturity of judgment, integrity and the ability to understand, read, interpret and appropriately apply the law with impartiality.
• Ability to preside over and conduct court hearings, weigh and give appropriate credibility to testimony and other evidence, to exercise appropriate interviewing and evaluation techniques and to consider all information as it relates to the hearing process. 
• Ability to write correspondence, opinions or other communications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctorate plus five years experience in the practice of law, including courtroom or related experience. Admission into the practice of law in the State of Utah and a member in good standing with the Utah State Bar Association.

Working Conditions:

• Comfortable working position, handling of light weights.
• Constant exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior and the demands of the positions.
• Within short time frames, required to organize and retain familiarity with large numbers of court cases of varying complexity and circumstances.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. 

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

$200,210.40

DEPARTMENT

Justice Courts

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40