0000004074.COURT MASTER.301ST FAMILY DISTRICT COURT

Performs highly responsible professional judicial duties by conducting hearings, processing motions, issuing timely rulings related to judicial matters. Works under the direction of the District Judge of Dallas County to whom he/she is assigned with some latitude for the use of independent judgment in performing assigned duties and while coordinating tasks and directives from the judges. The duties of the position are demanding, wide-ranging and generally may involve most matters typically assigned to a civil district court in Dallas County. (See Tex. Gov’t Code 54A.108, et.seq)

1. Properly issues temporary restraining orders in accordance with the applicable Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Civil Practice and Remedies Code provisions, and Dallas County Local Rules; schedules temporary injunction hearings on the respective district judge’s docket unless otherwise agreed upon in advance by the district judge; advises the district judge within one business day that he/she has heard a TRO from that judge’s court.

2. Timely processes motions for default judgment (including but not limited to Rule 736 motions for default judgment) in accordance with the applicable Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and cases interpreting same.

3. Handles discovery disputes in accordance with applicable Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and cases interpreting same.

4. Conducts minor prove-up hearings and conducts all hearings in a timely and professional manner.

5. Issue rulings and completes assigned tasks in a timely manner or, reports to the judge/attorneys/parties if there will be any delay and why. Also, promptly communicates to the district judge any rulings made in the judge's absence or unavailability.

6. Makes thoughtful, informed, fair decisions promptly with minimal input, if any, of the district judge.

7. Learns and adheres to each assigned district judge’s policies, preferences, and judicial philosophies regarding how matters should be handled from his/her court and communicates any concerns to district judge if there are questions regarding that judge's preferences, philosophies or conflicts in schedules occasioned by competing demands.

8. Consistently exhibits a proper judicial demeanor, including respect for all litigants and attorneys appearing in court.

9. Is accessible to: a) all judges, particularly the judges to whom the associate judge is assigned; and b) the attorneys (and when appropriate, the parties) involved in the cases being handled by the associate judge.

10. Stays current with the law relevant to the matters handled by the associate judges.

11. Performs related duties as assigned.

Education, Experience and Training:
Juris Doctorate, current license to practice law in the State of Texas, current member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas, and a minimum of four (4) continuous years of experience practicing law in the State of Texas at the time of appointment. Maintains good standing with the bar and adheres to the canons of the Texas Judicial Code of Conduct.

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicable employees, departments, and the general public. Citizen resident of Dallas County, State of Texas. Minimum age of 25 years. Must be able to coordinate and work with a number of judges and work with limited supervision. Must pass a background check.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:
Standard office environment, with possible extensive sitting.