Associate Judge

About the Role

Beaverton Municipal Court is seeking a qualified attorney or judge to be the city’s next Associate Judge. The ideal candidate will demonstrate skill in the following areas:

• Analyzing and appraising case facts, rules of evidence and procedure, and making decisions promptly and in accordance with the law, court procedures, and court policies.
• Maintaining judicial impartiality and judicial temperament in cases.
• Maintaining a non-discriminatory attitude and behavior regarding, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Working effectively with elected officials, employees, public agencies, and the general public.
• Operating paperless court software, including data entry in the judicial function in real time while in court and while administering a full docket set by court parameters.
• Functioning accurately and effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Demonstrating commitment for long-term involvement in court programs with a willingness to receive instruction and develop in the job.
• Expertise using technology, including computers, databases, and video conference technology.

About Beaverton Municipal Court

The mission of the Beaverton Municipal Court is to ensure that each person accused of a violation or crime be guaranteed and provided with all the constitutional rights to a fair and speedy judicial process in such a manner that it preserves both the dignity and rights of the defendant, victims, and the residents of Beaverton while ensuring public safety.

The Beaverton Municipal Court is one of the largest municipal courts in the state of Oregon. Each year the court processes approximately 1,500 misdemeanor cases and 30,000 violations. The court also processes parking citations and city code violations and employs approximately 25 staff members. Judges also perform weddings. The Beaverton Municipal Court is a court of record, with appeals taken directly to the Oregon Court of Appeals.

The court has several specialty programs including two treatment courts and a restorative justice city diversion program:

• B-SOBR Program: The Beaverton Sobriety Opportunity for Beginning Recovery (B-SOBR) Program is a nationally recognized sobriety and treatment court. The program provides participants with treatment services and intensive supervision, focusing on rehabilitation and recovery.
• Behavioral Health Court: This court focuses on engaging defendants in mental health treatment in exchange for dismissal of their charges. A dedicated multidisciplinary team meets twice a month with participants to offer support and encouragement in their recovery.

This is a full-time, exempt, Management 2 (M2) position. The Associate Judge reports to the Presiding Judge and requires working on-call to address law enforcement applications for search warrants approximately every three weeks for one-week time periods, which may include frequent interruptions of sleep during the night.

Responsibilities

• Preside over trials and render judgments for misdemeanors, violations, violations of city ordinances, traffic violations, and any other cases within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Court.
• Provide for the orderly conduct of proceedings before the court or before its officers.
• Preside over pretrial conferences, arraignments, contested motion hearings, traffic hearings, jury and nonjury trials, and various other court hearings as required for the City of Beaverton.
• Find defendants “guilty” or “not guilty,” “responsible” or “not responsible,” or “in violation” or “not in violation” in non-jury trial proceedings based upon evidence and impose sentencing as required.
• Authorize issuance of search, arrest, and administrative warrants.
• Conduct arraignments, set security, review fines, and handle release hearings.
• Conduct settlement conferences.
• Conduct legal research and write opinions and orders.
• Stay current with state and municipal law including changes in statutes, ordinances, and appellate decisions.
• Prepare and present continuing legal education classes to court stakeholders.
• Attend conferences and training as directed by the Presiding Judge.
• Handle court matters and any administrative matter as assigned by the Presiding Judge.
• Perform weddings when scheduled through the court.
• Work collaboratively with all judges, court administrator, and supervisors on judicial economy, strategizing efficiency of court dockets and operations.
• Participate in the city and court related trainings and programs, including attending court-funded conferences.
• Facilitate and execute a positive and supportive work environment with a culture of inclusion, teamwork, and communication.
• Contribute to promoting organizational values, including engagement and belonging; support a culture of accountability within the organization through personal and professional development.

Requirements

• Law degree from an accredited institution (JD or equivalent).
• Five years of experience practicing law, including:
  • Trial experience; or
  • Experience as an administrative hearings officer, arbitrator, or judge; or
  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the incumbent to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Active member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar.
• Ability to pass reference checks and education verification, and satisfy the requirements of a background check, including Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) fingerprints.
• Ability to satisfy the requirements of a pre-employment drug screen (urinalysis; includes marijuana).
• Within 30 days of hire, the successful candidate will be required to receive CJIS certification.

Studies have shown that some candidates hesitate to apply for a position if they do not believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria. The city’s talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We encourage people with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described.

Benefits

The city offers a wide variety of benefits to regular employees which make up an exceptional total compensation package:

• The city pays the full retirement contribution to the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) including the employee portion.
• Opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation retirement plan.
• Public service loan forgiveness program and tuition reimbursement program.
• Excellent health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Excellent paid time off (PTO) accrual and PTO cash-out options.
• Wellness programs and incentives.
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) VEBA.
• Paid Continuing Legal Education that includes Judge Conferences twice per year, live trainings, and webinars.
• The city pays Oregon State Bar annual dues and membership in the Oregon Judges Association.

Pay

Salary: $14,318.60 monthly

Schedule

This is a full-time position. The role requires working on-call to address law enforcement applications for search warrants approximately every three weeks for one-week time periods, which may include frequent interruptions of sleep during the night.