Telecommut
This position works under the broad policy guidance of the City Council and within the legal framework established by state statute, the City Charter, and local ordinances. You will work closely with court staff, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and community partners while maintaining independent judicial decision-making. The ideal candidate brings strong legal knowledge, sound judgment, clear communication skills, and the ability to approach complex and sensitive situations with fairness and professionalism.
- Please note: You must attach a cover letter and resume to your online application to be considered for this position.
- Preside over municipal court proceedings including arraignments, trials, pre-trial conferences, sentencing hearings, probation matters, restitution hearings, and other court appearances.
- Hear and adjudicate cases involving traffic violations, misdemeanor offenses, code violations, nuisance complaints, zoning matters, animal ordinance violations, and related municipal cases.
- Serve as committing magistrate for misdemeanor criminal matters and set bail in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
- Review evidence, interpret laws and ordinances, and issue impartial rulings and judgments based on the facts presented.
- Issue warrants, subpoenas, summons, commitments, and other court orders as authorized by law.
- Maintain compliance with Colorado judicial ethics standards, state statutes, city ordinances, and applicable court procedures.
- Provide functional supervision to court staff and support efficient court operations and timely case processing.
- Coordinate with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, probation staff, school officials, counselors, human services staff, parents, and other community partners related to court matters, offender accountability, and first-time offender processes.
- Respond to requests and inquiries from local, state, and federal agencies regarding court proceedings and legal processes.
- Participate in required judicial education and ongoing professional development related to municipal court operations, criminal procedure, evidence, and related legal topics.
- Serve as a professional representative and resource for the Municipal Court and the City when interacting with staff, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and members of the public.
- Operate within the legal framework established by state statute, the City Charter, local ordinances, and judicial ethics standards.
- Participate in after-hours, weekend, holiday, or on-call judicial responsibilities as needed.
- A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
- Active admission to the Colorado Bar.
- Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
- A cover letter and resume submitted with your application.
- Apply the law and penalties in an impartial, objective manner.
- Review details, establish clear facts, and reach fair legal decisions.
- Communicate legal concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences.
- Build productive, respectful working relationships with city staff, law enforcement, and community members.
- Approach sensitive cases involving substance use with the objectivity and communication skills necessary for minor counseling or restorative discussions.
- Maintain a calm, focused approach during high-stress or emergency courtroom situations.
- Handle sensitive public interactions with professionalism and respect.
- Read and interpret legal documents, ordinances, and higher court rulings accurately.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
- 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
- Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
- Long-term disability coverage.
- Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
- Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
- Free transit pass and family member discounts.
- Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
- Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.
We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.
The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.
