Municipal Court Judge

Job Description:

Municipal Court Judge

Description

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Employment Type
Full Time

Job Summary

The City of Olathe, Kansas, is seeking a highly qualified legal professional to serve as a Full-Time Municipal Court Judge, responsible for presiding over Municipal Court proceedings along with one other full-time Municipal Court Judge. The Municipal Court Judges, together, help ensure the fair, impartial, and effective administration of justice in Olathe Municipal Court.

This opportunity is well-suited for an experienced criminal trial attorney or current or former judge with strong courtroom presence, sound legal judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to public service. The successful candidate will bring credibility, professionalism, and the ability to manage proceedings with fairness, efficiency, and respect for all parties appearing before the Court. The City is looking for someone who takes a holistic view of each individual, not just the offense, and who can balance accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation by meeting people where they are.

At the City of Olathe, we are committed to Setting the Standard for Excellence in Public Service for both our residents and employees. That commitment is reflected in our Vision, Values, and Mission and in an organizational culture grounded in integrity, learning, customer service, and continuous improvement. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the region, Olathe offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a community that values high-quality service.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law and registered with the Clerk of the Kansas Supreme Court
• At least five years of experience practicing law
• Experience in Kansas municipal courts

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a municipal judge
• Significant courtroom experience, including hearings, bench trials, motion practice, and other proceedings
• Strong and impartial judicial temperament, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with attorneys, court staff, law enforcement, and City leadership

Why Work at the City of Olathe

• Values driven culture that emphasizes teamwork, professional development, and a focus on quality of life for the public and employees
• Purpose filled work and opportunities to make a difference in the Olathe community
• Talented work teams with high levels of integrity and professionalism

Compensation and Benefits

Both Municipal Court Judges are directly employed by the Olathe City Council under the terms of a contract and eligible for the City’s employee benefits package, including:

• Healthcare insurance
• An onsite clinic available to employees and dependents covered under the City’s medical plan, free of charge, including physical therapy, behavioral health, and primary/acute medical care
• Participation in KPERS retirement system

The City of Olathe offers a competitive salary, with pay based on qualifications.

Anticipated salary range: $110,000 to $160,000.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply through the City of Olathe’s website. Questions may be directed to Leslie Fortney, HR Officer. First review of applications will begin in early May. Residency in the City of Olathe, KS will be required within one year of employment.

The City of Olathe is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, marital status, familial status, military status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check.

For more details, review the full job details and requirements below.

The Municipal Court Judge is an appointed employee responsible for presiding over Municipal Court proceedings. The Municipal Court Judge serves with one other full-time Municipal Court Judge who is also appointed by and reports to the City Council. The Municipal Court Judges are contract employees of the City of Olathe and are among 4 positions at the City of Olathe reporting directly to the City Council (including the City Manager and City Auditor).

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts courtroom proceedings of persons charged with violating municipal ordinances including Arraignments, Pleas, Trials, Sentencings, Diversion and Probation Revocations, House Arrest Violations and Expungements.
  
• Rules on motions filed such as motions to dismiss or suppress evidence, motions to set aside warrants or continue cases.
  
• Appoints counsel for indigent persons.
  
• Reviews case files for bond forfeitures and bench warrants; evaluates, inspects, and approves warrants.
  
• Develops and presents data and reports periodically upon the request of the Mayor and City Council; provides routine reports on Municipal Court activities to the City Council Liaisons.
  
• Collaborates with other Municipal Court Judges, the Court Administrator and Assistant Court Administrator, City Prosecutors, as well as other internal or external stakeholders to coordinate court practices and available resources to ensure successful case flow management and ensure the best monitoring practices of defendants on probation or in need of service from Court Services; works with internal and external partners to review and implement process improvements.
  
• Complies with all statutory requirements pertaining to the Municipal Court Judge in Chapter 12 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated.
  

Qualifications

Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in the active practice of law, including experience in Kansas municipal courts is required with municipal judge experience preferred. Must possess leadership qualities to enhance the public image and stature of the Municipal Court and demonstrate high person, moral, and professional integrity befitting the position. C redibility, professionalism, and the ability to manage proceedings with fairness, efficiency, and respect for all parties appearing before the Court is also expected. Technical proficiency in the use and understanding of the court data management system, which requires the Municipal Court Judge to input significant amounts of information in the courtroom environment, is critical. Awareness of diversion programs, alternative sentencing, problem solving, strong written communication skills, and the ability to manage a high-volume docket, virtual and in-person, is also essential to the success of this role.

Education: Juris doctorate from an accredited law school is required.

Licenses & Certifications: Admitted to practice law and registered with the Clerk of the Kansas Supreme Court in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 208 and K.S.A. 12-4105.

Language: Proficiency with verbal and written English language required.

Residency Requirements: Must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City of Olathe, Kansas, within one year of starting a term of office. The selected candidate will not practice law during their term of office as required by the Kansas Rules of Judicial Conduct.