010527 General Magistrate

About the role

General Magistrates are quasi-judicial officers who conduct hearings on post-judgment family matters, administer oaths, take testimony and evaluate evidence as authorized by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.490 and 12.491. They prepare recommended orders and written reports that include findings of fact and conclusions of law for judicial consideration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hearings in post-judgment family law cases as authorized by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.490 and 12.491.
• Prepare recommended orders and written reports that include findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations for judicial consideration.
• Submit a recommended order to the assigned judge within 60 days from the date of hearing and maintain a log of cases consistent with Administrative Order S-2025-006 on any cases held under advisement by the general magistrate.
• Research legal issues.
• Provide administrative support to the family law divisions.
• Establish and implement policies necessary to accomplish the goals of the family divisions in accordance with state and federal laws, rules of procedure, case law, and circuit administrative orders.
• Maintain an impartial and professional demeanor.
• Exercise discretion and good judgment in dealing with the general public.

Requirements

• One (1) year of substantive Family law experience.
• Juris Doctorate and member of The Florida Bar in good standing for five years.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes and the Family Law Rules of Procedure.
• Knowledge of the Florida State Court system.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of administrative support staff.
• Ability to grasp, comprehend, and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details, and make well-reasoned findings and recommendations.
• Ability to prioritize and make efficient use of time.
• Ability to exercise discretion and to exercise good judgment in dealing with the general public.
• Ability to maintain an impartial and professional demeanor.
• Ability to exercise objectivity, discretion, and confidentiality as to all court matters.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of administrative support staff.
• Knowledge of statutes, rules, and case law.
• Knowledge of the Florida State Court system.
• Ability to grasp, comprehend, and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details, and make well-reasoned findings and recommendations.
• Ability to prioritize and make efficient use of time.
• Ability to exercise discretion and to exercise good judgment in dealing with the general public.
• Ability to maintain an impartial and professional demeanor.
• Ability to exercise objectivity, discretion, and confidentiality as to all court matters.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
• Supplemental dental, vision, life, disability and hospitalization insurance.
• Tuition-free college courses.
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) eligibility.
• 457 Tax Deferred Retirement Plan.
• Secure parking in the Edgecomb Garage at a modest rate.