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Associate Judge Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Harris County

Deputy Court Administrator

Houston, TX · On-site

$118K - $182K/yr

The DCA serves 67 elected State District Court Judges in Civil, Criminal, Family and Juvenile Divisions, and an additional 20 Associate Judges. There are 50 staff in the DCA, and there are 167 ...

Harris County

Deputy Court Administrator

Houston, TX · On-site

The DCA serves 67 elected State District Court Judges in Civil, Criminal, Family and Juvenile Divisions, and an additional 20 Associate Judges. There are 50 staff in the DCA, and there are 167 ...

Harris County

Deputy Court Administrator

Houston, TX

$118K - $182K/yr

The DCA serves 67 elected State District Court Judges in Civil, Criminal, Family and Juvenile Divisions, and an additional 20 Associate Judges. There are 50 staff in the DCA, and there are 167 ...

Harris County, TX

Deputy Court Administrator

Houston, TX · On-site

$118K - $182K/yr

The DCA serves 67 elected State District Court Judges in Civil, Criminal, Family and Juvenile Divisions, and an additional 20 Associate Judges. There are 50 staff in the DCA, and there are 167 ...

Mehaffy Weber, PC

Associate Attorney

Houston, TX

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY NEEDED FULL TIME for busy law firm. The successful candidate will: * Be admitted ... The candidate must exercise independent judgment and discretion to perform substantive functions in ...

Harris County, TX

Deputy Court Administrator

Houston, TX · On-site

$118K - $182K/yr

The DCA serves 67 elected State District Court Judges in Civil, Criminal, Family and Juvenile Divisions, and an additional 20 Associate Judges. There are 50 staff in the DCA, and there are 167 ...

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All JobsAssociate Judge JobsAssociate Judge Jobs in Houston, TX

Associate Judge information

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How much do associate judge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate judge in Houston, TX is $17.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate judge?

Associate Judges are judicial officers who assist in handling cases within a court system, often at the state or local level. Unlike full judges, they may be appointed rather than elected and typically have authority over certain types of cases, such as family law, probate, or preliminary matters in criminal cases. Their duties can include presiding over hearings, making legal determinations, and issuing rulings. The specific powers and appointment process for Associate Judges vary depending on the jurisdiction. They play a crucial role in managing court caseloads and ensuring efficient administration of justice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate judge, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Judge, you need a law degree, bar admission, and extensive legal knowledge, along with experience practicing law. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and courtroom technology is typically required. Strong analytical reasoning, impartiality, effective communication, and sound judgment are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure fair, efficient adjudication and uphold the integrity of the judicial system.

What are some common challenges associate judges face when managing their caseloads?

Associate Judges often handle a high volume of cases, which requires strong organizational skills and the ability to make timely, well-reasoned decisions. Balancing the need for efficiency with fairness and thoroughness can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex legal issues or emotionally charged cases. Additionally, Associate Judges must adapt to evolving laws and courtroom technologies while maintaining professionalism and impartiality in every proceeding.

What is the difference between Associate Judge vs Magistrate?

AspectAssociate JudgeMagistrate
Required CredentialsLegal degree, bar admission, judicial trainingLegal degree, bar admission, judicial or magistrate training
Work EnvironmentCourtrooms, judicial chambersCourtrooms, sometimes administrative offices
Employer & IndustryState or federal courts, governmentLocal, state, or federal courts, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Associate Judges and Magistrates both serve in judicial roles within the court system, often requiring similar legal credentials and working in courtrooms. While Associate Judges typically handle more complex cases and may have a higher level of authority, Magistrates often manage preliminary hearings and minor cases. Both roles are essential in the judicial process and are employed by government courts at various levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Judge jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Judge jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Associate Judge jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Associate Judge job openings:

Associate Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Judge job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,407 per year, or $18 per hour.

Staff Attorney - Family / Juvenile Concentrated

Harris County, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16920
Department: District Courts
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
Position Overview:
This position is an on-site position that provides legal assistance for the District Court Judges, the Court Administrator and administrative staff. The staff attorney operates as part of a small legal team, providing advice on matters of law arising from the operation of courts as well as offering guidance on the relationships between the courts and with other governmental agencies. The position is an in-house, general counsel position with a focus on the Government Code, the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, and the Rules of Judicial Administration, supporting the family and juvenile divisions. The fast-paced and varied nature of the family and juvenile courts necessitates in person work. Staff counsel must be available to attend court or appear in chambers for assistance.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide legal assistance to the Judges of the District Courts as they may request. This assistance includes being physically available to attend court or come to chambers to discuss a pending matter. While a judge of any division may ask for assistance, the concentration will be primarily on the family and juvenile divisions.
  • Assist in the preparation of jury instructions and furnish legal authority for such charges when asked.
  • Assist in direct and indirect contempt actions, as requested by the judiciary. This assistance includes attending court proceedings as requested.
  • Provide ethical guidance and updates to the Judges of the District Courts and to the staff of the administrative offices. This includes CE / CLE updates on matters of ethics and judicial administration.
  • Review recent Federal and State decisions that affect the jurisprudence of, and are of interest to, the District Courts.
  • Assist in preparation of various forms for general court use.
  • Assist in preparation of rules for practice and procedure in the District Courts.
  • Attend meetings of the district judges, as requested, and provide legal support in those meetings, as requested.
  • Review, track and report on pending and enacted legislation as it pertains to the practice and procedure in the District Courts.
  • Assist in preparation of bills that the District Courts deem advantageous for consideration by the legislature and enactment into law.
  • Assist the District Courts in matters of law that arise concerning other agencies that affect the operation of the District Courts.
  • Assist in responding to Rule 12 requests (the judicial equivalent of public information requests).
  • Request legal representation for the judiciary from the Attorney General's Office when a district judge is sued, and from the county attorney's office when the suit involves a county employee.
  • Provide legal assistance to the District Court Administrator on matters of form and procedure.
  • Other duties as designated by the Local Administrative District Judge or that Judge's designee.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
Requirements
Education and Experience:
  • Graduate of an accredited law school.
  • Minimum ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law.
  • Minimum of ten (10) contested family and/or juvenile final bench trials tried to decision in Texas and 1 jury trial in Texas (any area of law) tried to verdict, or five (5) non-Anders appellate briefs on family law or juvenile law matters filed with a Texas appellate court, or four (4) years of experience in Texas as a family law or juvenile law associate judge, juvenile master or juvenile referee.
    • Substantially equivalent experience as a government attorney or an attorney to an elected or appointed official will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrate ability in legal research and writing.

Licensure:
  • Shall be an attorney in good standing and licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
  • Shall be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
  • Preference for board certification in family law, juvenile law or child welfare law.
  • Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law, juvenile law or child welfare law desirable

General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Regular Full-time
  • Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.

Salary:
  • Depends on Qualifications
  • Based on 26 Pay Periods
    • Plus, benefits

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01
Are you a graduate of an accredited law school?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you in good standing with the State Bar of Texas?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in the practice of law?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
  • Less than ten (10) years
  • Ten (10) years but less than eleven (11) years
  • Eleven (11) years but less than twelve (12) years
  • Twelve (12) years or more
  • I do not have this experience

05
Do you have a minimum of ten (10) contested family and/or juvenile final bench trials tried to decision in Texas and one (1) jury trial in Texas (any area of law) tried to verdict, or five (5) non-Anders appellate briefs on family law or juvenile law matters filed with a Texas appellate court, or four (4) years of experience in Texas as a family law or juvenile law associate judge, juvenile master or juvenile referee or substantially equivalent experience as a government attorney or an attorney to an elected or appointed official?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you have a certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law, juvenile law or child welfare law?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

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