Municipal Court Judge

Position Summary

The Farmers Branch Municipal Court Judge is a City Council appointed position and administers all matters pertaining to court operations. Other specific functions, authorities, expectations, or services not expressly described within this job description may be included in official service agreements, resolutions or ordinances prior to appointment.

Essential Job Functions

Target Starting Salary Range: $118,339 to $131,488.

Essential Job Functions represents 20%-50% of working time on a regular basis, subject to the varying demand of specific functions. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent. Regular, punctual and on-site attendance is essential for all functions listed below:

• The Judge shall, in a timely and responsive manner, perform functions with all authority vested under law to include but not limited to:
  • Undertake duties fairly, impartially, and independently, in accordance with the City Charter all services set forth herein and as required of municipal court judges in accordance with the City Charter, the adopted policies and procedures of the municipal court, and the laws applicable to municipal judges of courts in the State of Texas.
  • Preside over municipal court proceedings.
  • Promptly handle adult and juvenile arraignments.
  • Execute arrest and court warrants.
  • Coordinate court activities with the alternate Municipal Court Judges, the municipal court administrator, prosecutor(s), city attorney(s), and other departments of the City as necessary.
  • Perform such other duties as assigned by the City Council that may be commensurate with the position of Municipal Court Judge.
  • Shall be responsible for all duties customarily performed by magistrates of municipal courts of record in Texas. The Judge agrees to coordinate with alternate judges, as necessary to ensure one or more judges are available at all times during the term of this Agreement (on a 24/7 basis) to handle all warrants, bonds, emergency orders, prisoner transfers requests, and similar matters.
  • Shall be responsible for administering court dockets and proceedings in coordination with the other judges and the municipal court administrator to facilitate optimal court efficiency in support of the City’s customer service values.
  • Perform all other administrative duties of a Municipal Court Judge as may be provided by ordinance, resolution of the City Council, or applicable state law.

• Case Management and Timeliness.
  • Strive to ensure that at least 90% of cases are adjudicated within statutory or rules-based timelines, allowing for exceptions as required by law.
  • Maintain an annual docket clearance rate near or above 100%, with the goal of avoiding case backlogs.
  • Implement procedures to reduce unnecessary continuances while maintaining efficient scheduling of hearings and trials, consistent with due process requirements.
• Judicial Efficiency and Court Operations.
  • Conduct court dockets in a manner that minimizes delays and respects the time of defendants, attorneys, witnesses, and staff while safeguarding defendants’ constitutional rights.
  • Where authorized by law, promote the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms or plea processes to expedite the resolution of cases.
  • Ensure all court policies and practices comply with the Texas Government Code, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and applicable City ordinances.
• Access to Justice and Fairness.
  • Ensure that all defendants receive clear, accessible information regarding their rights, responsibilities, and court processes.
  • Maintain impartiality, integrity, and consistency in decision-making in full compliance with the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.
  • Provide reasonable accommodations to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state accessibility requirements.
• Fiscal Responsibility and Stewardship.
  • Oversee accurate and transparent collection, reporting, and remittance of court fines, fees, and costs in compliance with state law or City financial policies.
  • Ensure internal controls are maintained to prevent misuse, loss, or misallocation of public funds.
  • Collaborate with City management to identify operational efficiencies and responsible use of resources, consistent with judicial independence and without compromising judicial integrity or defendants’ rights.
• Accountability and Reporting.
  • Provide quarterly administrative reports to the City Manager or designee, summarizing case disposition statistics, docket management data, and progress on performance goals, without commentary on judicial outcomes.
  • Demonstrate adherence to the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and uphold the highest ethical standards in all judicial activities.
• Professional Relationships.
  • Foster and maintain respectful, professional, and collaborative working relationships with court personnel, City staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Provide guidance and leadership to court staff that promotes teamwork, accountability, and a culture of integrity.
  • Communicate effectively and constructively with City management on administrative and operational matters, consistent with judicial independence.

Education and Experience

• Attorney licensed by the Texas Supreme Court and must remain in good standing with the State Bar of Texas at all times during employment.
• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Two (2) or more years of experience as a practicing attorney in the State of Texas.
• Required to abide by the Code of Judicial Conduct.
• Required to attend annual education training.
  • 32 hours for new Judges (1st year only)
  • 12 hours regular annual training.