Standing Master

Job Overview

Working under the direction of Judges in the 8th Judicial District, the successful candidate will be responsible for Hearing and ruling on proceedings, researching issues, and writing findings of fact, conclusions of law and orders. The Standing Master conducts preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, including arraignments, initial appearances on warrant, probation revocation hearings, and bail hearings; conducts plea change hearings; conducts temporary and final hearings as well as modification hearings in domestic relations matters including parenting plans, property distribution, maintenance and family support cases. Mediates and conducts settlement conferences in civil matter; conducts discovery conferences, and rules on discovery motions; Conducts civil trials and renders judgements; may require the production of evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, put witnesses on oath and examine them, call parties to the action and examine them on oath, and issues temporary orders.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school, with 3 years of practicing law in Montana prior to the date of appointment.
• Licensure and Certification Requirements: Possession of a current Certificate of Admission to the Bar of the State of Montana; eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Montana. Completion of required continuing legal education courses.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws and court rulings as they pertain to the area of assignment.
• Extensive knowledge of established precedents, and sources of legal reference.
• Extensive knowledge of court procedures, rules of evidence, and courtroom procedures.
• Ability to apply legal principles and specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
• Ability to prepare for hearings and hear difficult cases and present material clearly and logically in oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal with unhappy, unstable litigants.
• Ability to counsel persons on sensitive problems.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer.