Associate City Judge

Introduction

About the Position:
Conducts courtroom proceedings and administrative functions for cases alleging misdemeanor criminal, traffic, and civil violations of city ordinances and state statutes occurring within the City of Scottsdale as well as ex parte and contested protective order matters. Duties require the exercise of considerable independent judgment in managing dockets; ruling on motions and adjudicating cases in accordance with applicable: local, state and federal law; rules of procedure and evidence; the Judicial Code of Conduct; and Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees; and the Rules of Professional Conduct. Assist Presiding City Judge, Associate, or Pro Tem Judges and court staff as needed, requested, or directed by the Presiding City Judge.

It is strongly encouraged that you attach a Cover Letter and Resume to your application. If you choose to attach a Cover Letter, please answer the following questions:

• Why are you interested in becoming an Associate Judge for the Scottsdale City Court?
• What do you believe makes you well suited for this position?

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Previous experience in criminal law, civil traffic, or protective orders as a judge or attorney.

Licensing , Certifications and Other Requirements

• Admission to the Bar in the State of Arizona.
• Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment by the City, regardless of whether the employee is approved to remote work.
  

Other pertinent licenses and/or certifications may be required of some positions depending on department/section assignment.

Essential Functions

Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following:

• Presides over a variety of hearings in criminal misdemeanors, civil traffic, and other civil matters such as: criminal and civil arraignments, pretrial conferences, evidentiary hearings, jury and non-jury trials, civil hearings, sentencings, restitution hearings, mitigation/aggravation hearings, orders to show cause and probation violation proceedings for in custody and out of custody defendants.
• Reviews, signs, or rejects search warrants; reviews, issues, and signs complaints/subpoenas; issues criminal arrest warrants; and determines disposition of bail and bonds.
• Conducts ex parte and contested hearings and rules on protective order cases.
• Conducts legal research; prepares sound and straightforward legal opinions; interprets City, State and Federal laws, ordinances, statutes and court decisions; analyzes evidence and applies existing law in the rendering of fair and equitable judgments.
• Conducts proceedings with remote parties, victims, or witnesses using CourtCall or other designated platforms.
• Presides over specialty dockets as requested or directed by the Presiding City Judge.
• Assists the Presiding City Judge in administering court policies, procedures, and practices and in training court staff and pro-tem judges.
• Participates in judicial education as required and complies with applicable regulations and requirements established by the Arizona Supreme Court or the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position or that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit in a courtroom setting for extended time periods.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Travel to/from meetings and various locations.
• Operate a variety of standard office equipment including computer, telephone, calculator, copy and fax machines requiring continuous and repetitive arm, hand and eye movement.

Benefits Highlights:
The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 12 Paid Holidays, which includes 1 Floating Holiday
• Vacation Accrual; starts at 10.3 hours/month
• Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
• Medical (which includes behavioral health coverage), Dental and Vision Benefits
• City Paid Basic Life Insurance (equal to one times employee annual salary); option of Supplemental Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement; $2,500/year
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12.27% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
• Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide
• Pet Insurance
• Bilingual pay compensation

Please visit the Benefits Information page for more information.

Selection Process:
The application and supplemental questions are an integral part of the selection process and must be completed in full in order for you to be considered as a candidate. Please complete each section and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. DO NOT state “See Resume” in lieu of answering. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process that may include a panel interview. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening that may include:

• Fingerprinting search of the national FBI Database
• Criminal Background screening

The City of Scottsdale reserves the right to change this process at any time, potentially without advance notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Years of experience are based on a work schedule of 2,080 hours per year for full-time positions and 1,040 hours per year for part-time positions, and while work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending upon the job classification, education may not be substituted for work experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an "otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting HR Receptionist at (480) 312-2491. Requests should be made 24 hours in advance or as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. For TTY users, the Arizona Relay Service (1-800-367-8939) may contact HR Receptionist at (480) 312-2491.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Full-Time Positions:
The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday and medical leave as well as insurance for medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance. For a more detailed overview of the employee benefits, click here .

Part-Time Positions:
The City of Scottsdale offers paid medical leave for part-time staff.

Commute Solutions Program
City of Scottsdale provides free Valley Metro Platinum passes to employees for the bus and light rail systems when commuting; a vanpool subsidy is also available. Employees can decrease stress, decrease wear & tear on their vehicle, and help the environment all at the same time.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
The City of Scottsdale is considered a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). You may find more information about the PSFL program by going to the Federal Student Aid website by clicking here .

Closing Date/Time: 6/16/2025 11:59 PM Arizona

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• City of Scottsdale

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