Judicial Referee - Ramsey County

The Second Judicial District is accepting applications for a Referee position. This position is appointed by the Chief Judge and will work across court divisions with primary responsibility in family court matters and includes full case responsibility for all assigned family court cases. Also included in the work of this position are domestic abuse harassment housing court and civil matters as assigned. This position supports the Judicial Branchs mission to increase access to justice for all people in the State of Minnesota. Work location is the Juvenile and Family Justice Center in downtown Saint Paul with some flexibility to work remotely.

Responsibilities
The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position.

Family Court

• Responsible for all aspects of assigned cases.
• Managing and monitoring the progress of the case conducting trials hearings and case management conferences and drafting orders for cosignature.

Domestic Abuse and Harassment Court

• Reviews and decides petitions for ex parte relief in domestic abuse and harassment matters.
• Hears common calendars in domestic abuse and harassment court and drafts orders for cosignature.

Civil Court

• May hear common initial calendars in housing court and draft orders for cosignature.
• May attend housing partner meetings as needed; for example quarterly landlord/tenant meetings.
• May hear special term calendars including name changes minor settlements and orders to show cause.

In all areas

• Conducts contested and uncontested trials hearings and motions. Instructs parties and witnesses as to their rights.
• Questions witnesses; inquires as to the causes for which the persons are brought before the court. Rules on objections to evidence and evaluates evidence.
• Makes decisions on factual and legal questions; prepares findings and orders regarding the disposition of cases. Completes and prepares orders for a judges signature; confers with attorneys and the public in regard to court matters.
• Conducts legal research to prepare for court proceedings and litigated matters.
• Collaborates with other judicial officers and confers with attorneys justice partners and the public in regard to court matters.
• Supervises one assigned law clerk and court reporter. Serves on committees and workgroups.
• Attends local bench meetings.

Minimum Qualifications
The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills strengths and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience training and education required for this position please consider applying.

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• At least seven years of progressive legal experience including at least three years experience in family law as a practicing attorney or judicial officer.
• A candidate for this position must be comfortable with and able to effectively use the technology used by the court. As this position may be working partially remotely access to reliable internet connection is required during this time.
• Admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Minnesota.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of state laws and court rulings as they pertain to the assigned division of the court specifically family and domestic abuse/harassment matters.
• Ability to be fair impartial and sensitive to the needs of a diverse population including individuals from marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and collaborative with team members and justice partners and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Thorough knowledge of general and specific law state laws established precedents and sources of legal reference. Thorough knowledge of court procedures rules of evidence and trial and courtroom procedures.
• Ability to apply legal principles and specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
• Ability to prepare for hearings and trials hear difficult cases and present findings decisions and other material clearly and logically in oral and written form.
• Ability to maintain control and courtroom decorum with parties in crisis who often have limited understanding of court proceedings.
• Ability to effectively manage a caseload with minimal staff support.
• Ability to work well under pressure with excellent case and time management skills. Possess a fair even and impartial demeanor and temperament.
• Knowledge of and experience with various forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office setting courtroom or at a public counter. Work involves contact with persons who may be angry abusive or threatening.

Physical Demands
Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking standing bending and carrying items up to 25 pounds. Some assignments may require periods of extended sitting standing or computer use.

To Apply:
External Candidates: Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply Now button on this page. In addition to completing the online application please upload and attach a onepage cover letter resume and writing sample (no more than ten pages).

Internal Candidates: Please apply through your Oracle account clicking on your desktop icon then Me and Current addition to completing the online application please upload and attach a onepage cover letter resume and writing sample (no more than ten pages).

Successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check.

Salary
The salary for this position is $81.94 hourly and $171091 annually.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation and is eligible for State of Minnesota employee benefits.

Questions
Please contact Human Resources atwith questions regarding this position.