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Magistrate Judge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United States Courts

$65 - $91/hr

District Court for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a full-time court law clerk who will work under the supervision of Magistrate Judge Peter Bray. The appointment is for a one year term ...

Licking County Chamber of Commerce

$90 - $130/hr

Magistrate Agency: Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Probate-Juvenile Division Hours: Full-time ... Ability to perform legal research as required by the Judge or demands of the job. * Knowledge and ...

Town of Marana, AZ

Judge Pro Tempore

Marana, AZ · On-site

$1.0K/day

Magistrate Court Opening Date: 08/25/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Town of Marana Marana is one of ... Position Description The Town of Marana is seeking a Judge Pro Tempore to work in the Magistrate ...

Town of Marana

Judge Pro Tempore

Marana, AZ · On-site

$39K - $78K/yr

Position Description The Town of Marana is seeking a Judge Pro Tempore to work in the Magistrate Court Department. The ideal individual should have a strong sense of public service, high level of ...

Licking County Chamber of Commerce

Magistrate

Newark, OH · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Magistrate Agency: Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Probate-Juvenile Division Hours: Full-time ... Ability to perform legal research as required by the Judge or demands of the job. * Knowledge and ...

Agnello & Rogers

Litigation Attorney (Remote)

Tampa, FL · On-site

$153 - $187/hr

Clerkship with a Federal Judge or Magistrate Judge * Federal court experience * Experience with complex civil litigation * Significant motion practice and courtroom exposure * Attorneys with ...

NACBA

Term Law Clerk

Paducah, KY · On-site

$75 - $106/hr

Open Until Filled Position Summary The United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky is seeking a term judicial law clerk to United States Magistrate Judge Lanny King. This ...

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$33K

$95.5K

$212.5K

How much do magistrate judge jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for magistrate judge in the United States is $95,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a magistrate judge?

Magistrate Judges are judicial officers who assist district judges in the federal court system by handling a variety of matters, such as preliminary hearings, pretrial motions, and sometimes misdemeanor cases. They are appointed by district judges and serve eight-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment. Magistrate Judges help manage the court’s caseload and ensure efficient proceedings, but they generally do not preside over felony criminal trials or major civil cases unless all parties consent. Their role is essential to the smooth operation of federal courts.

How does a magistrate judge typically collaborate with district judges and court staff during case proceedings?

Magistrate Judges work closely with district judges and court staff to ensure the efficient handling of cases. They often handle preliminary matters such as pretrial motions, discovery disputes, and settlement conferences, which allows district judges to focus on trials and more complex cases. Regular communication and coordination are essential, as Magistrate Judges may make recommendations or rulings that district judges review. Additionally, they rely on clerks, legal assistants, and other court personnel to manage caseloads and maintain accurate records, fostering a collaborative environment within the courthouse.

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

To thrive as a Magistrate Judge, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, significant legal experience, and a deep understanding of federal or state laws and court procedures. Familiarity with legal research tools, electronic case management systems, and courtroom technology is essential. Integrity, impartiality, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help set standout judges apart. These competencies ensure fair and efficient administration of justice and help maintain public confidence in the judicial system.

What is the difference between Magistrate Judge vs District Judge?

AspectMagistrate JudgeDistrict Judge
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), often with federal clerkship experienceJuris Doctor (JD), extensive legal experience, often with prior judicial or senior legal roles
Work EnvironmentAssist district courts, handle pretrial matters, and minor casesPreside over major civil and criminal trials, make rulings, and issue judgments
Employer & Industry UsageFederal courts, appointed by district judgesFederal courts, appointed by the President and confirmed by Senate

Magistrate Judges support district courts by managing preliminary proceedings and minor cases, requiring legal credentials similar to District Judges but with less authority. District Judges handle full trials and make final rulings, often with more extensive experience and authority.

What are some of the jobs of a magistrate judge?

A magistrate judge handles pretrial motions, conducts preliminary hearings, issues warrants, and oversees certain cases such as misdemeanors and civil matters. They assist district judges by managing preliminary proceedings and often work in a courtroom environment requiring knowledge of legal procedures and courtroom technology.

Why work for a magistrate judge?

Working as a magistrate judge offers the opportunity to handle a variety of federal cases, assist district judges, and gain courtroom experience. The role typically requires strong legal knowledge, good judgment, and adherence to judicial procedures, often with a structured schedule and opportunities for professional development.
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What states have the most Magistrate Judge jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Magistrate Judge jobs look for?

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Magistrate Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Magistrate Judge job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,503 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Court Law Clerk

United States Courts

On-site

$65 - $91/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

United States Courts rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

546th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Court Name/Organization Texas Southern District and Bankruptcy Court

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas is seeking a full-time court law clerk who will work under the supervision of Magistrate Judge Peter Bray. The appointment is for a one year term (through Sept. 30, 2027) with the possibility for renewal. The appointment could be located in any divisional office. Remote work is also available.The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas is one of the largest district courts among the country's 94 federal judicial districts. The Southern District of Texas consists of the following seven divisional offices: Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, Laredo, McAllen and Victoria.

Location Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Remote, Anywhere in the U.S.

The court law clerk supports the entire district by reviewing legal submissions, performing legal research, preparing bench memoranda, drafting orders and opinions and generating reports. The court law clerk's work will focus on cases filed by litigants without lawyers (pro se litigants) and involve various areas of substantive law such as real property foreclosures, civil rights, torts, contracts, and various federal and state statutory causes of action. The court law clerk may also perform case management duties through the Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system as well as administrative office functions such as editing, proofreading, telephone communications, written correspondence, and scheduling as needed.

The court law clerk works cooperatively with members of chambers staff across the district, as well as staff in other court units, in order to effectively support the judges of the Southern District of Texas with the pro se litigant case load.

Employee Benefits

Salary Range: JSP 11 to JSP 13, depending on qualifications and/or prior federal judicial law clerk experience.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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