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Virginia Magistrate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Courts

Career Law Clerk

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$106K - $164K/yr

District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia seeks a Career Law Clerk for Judge Arenda L ... Serve as chambers liaison for all outside personnel, including other District and Magistrate Judges ...

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Virginia Magistrate information

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$33K

$95.5K

$212.5K

How much do virginia magistrate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for virginia magistrate 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 Virginia magistrate?

A Virginia Magistrate is a judicial officer who serves as the initial point of contact for individuals in the criminal justice system. Magistrates in Virginia have the authority to issue arrest warrants, search warrants, emergency protective orders, and conduct bail hearings. They play a crucial role in ensuring due process and determining whether probable cause exists for legal actions. Magistrates work independently from law enforcement and provide impartial decisions based on the law. Their work helps maintain the efficiency and fairness of Virginia's judicial process.

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

To thrive as a Virginia Magistrate, you need comprehensive knowledge of criminal and civil law, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor's degree, with preference for legal or criminal justice backgrounds. Familiarity with case management systems, legal databases, and courtroom technology is essential. Impartiality, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure fair, efficient, and accurate judicial processes while upholding public trust in the legal system.

What are the most common challenges faced by a Virginia magistrate in their day-to-day responsibilities?

Virginia Magistrates often face the challenge of making critical legal decisions under tight time constraints, especially during nights, weekends, and holidays when courts are closed. They must quickly assess complex situations, ensure due process, and remain impartial while issuing warrants, bonds, and emergency protective orders. Additionally, managing a high volume of cases and interacting with diverse individuals—including law enforcement, attorneys, and the public—requires strong communication and organizational skills. These demands make adaptability and sound judgment essential qualities for success in this role.

What is the difference between Virginia Magistrate vs Virginia District Court Judge?

AspectVirginia MagistrateVirginia District Court Judge
Required CredentialsNone; magistrates are appointed and may have legal experience but do not require a law degreeLaw degree and licensed attorney; elected or appointed
Work EnvironmentHandle preliminary matters, issue warrants, conduct hearings in a courtroom settingPreside over trials, make legal rulings, and manage courtroom proceedings
Employer & Industry UsageVirginia courts, primarily for minor cases and preliminary hearingsVirginia District Courts, for civil, criminal, and traffic cases

Virginia Magistrates serve in a more administrative and preliminary role within the court system, often with minimal formal legal credentials. Virginia District Court Judges have a broader judicial role, requiring legal qualifications, and preside over a wider range of cases. Both roles are essential but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

How do you become a Virginia Magistrate?

To become a Virginia Magistrate, an individual must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Virginia. Applicants typically need a background in law enforcement, legal, or judicial work, and must complete training provided by the Virginia Judicial System before appointment by a district court judge.

How much do Virginia Magistrates get paid in Virginia?

Virginia Magistrates typically earn an annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience and location. They may also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and often work part-time or on a flexible schedule while performing judicial duties like issuing warrants and setting bail.

What does a Virginia Magistrate do in Virginia?

A Virginia Magistrate presides over minor legal matters such as issuing warrants, setting bail, and conducting preliminary hearings. They handle cases like misdemeanors, civil disputes involving small amounts, and emergency protective orders, often working in a court environment with legal training and certification requirements.

What cities are hiring for Virginia Magistrate jobs?

Cities with the most Virginia Magistrate job openings:

What states have the most Virginia Magistrate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Virginia Magistrate jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Virginia Magistrate jobs?

For Virginia Magistrate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Virginia Magistrate job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,503 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Career Law Clerk

Norfolk, VA • On-site, Remote

U.S. Courts
See more jobs at U.S. Courtsexternal

$106K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Summary
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia seeks a Career Law Clerk for Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen beginning June 1, 2026. Duties include legal research, reviewing filings, drafting memos and orders, and managing chambers operations. Strong writing skills are required; prior federal clerkship experience is preferred.
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Duties
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ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
  • Closely monitor dockets of all pending cases and draft orders, as appropriate, for scheduling and discovery-related issues, default proceedings, service deficiencies, and other miscellaneous matters.
  • Serve as chambers liaison for all outside personnel, including other District and Magistrate Judges, the Clerk of Court, the Clerk's Office staff, the Probation and Pretrial Services Office, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
  • Train, assist and supervise the two bi-annual term law clerks extensively.
  • Receive, screen, and refer telephone and in-person callers.
  • Prepare in final form the judge's written correspondence, memoranda, annual reports, and other items. Assemble and attach supplemental material as required.
  • Monitor all incoming mail and email communication; screen incoming mail daily, routing the mail to appropriate recipients; review all outgoing mail for accuracy.
  • Maintain the judge's calendar; schedule, change, and cancel meetings, appointments, and hearings as directed; relieve the judge of routine details and oversee chambers supply stock and general chambers' management.
  • Arrange all business travel itineraries for the judge, including plane tickets, hotel reservations, lodging plans, car rentals, and other arrangements.
  • Perform other miscellaneous administrative duties as assigned by the judge and as necessary for the efficient operation of chambers.

LAW CLERK DUTIES:
  • Research and analyze novel and complex legal issues in diverse areas of federal criminal law and civil litigation.
  • Draft orders and memorandum opinions in civil and criminal cases for the judge's review.
  • Prepare bench memoranda and other written materials for motions hearings and trial proceedings, as directed.
  • Provide information and guidance to the judge on individual cases, as directed.
  • Perform extensive computer legal research via Westlaw and/or Lexis.
  • Monitor significant changes in federal statutes, sentencing guidelines, and Supreme Court and Fourth Circuit precedent.
  • Review and edit orders, opinions and memoranda drafted by term law clerks and staff attorneys.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Employees must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
  • Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available to applicants to review upon request.
  • Employees will be hired provisionally pending the results of a background investigation.
  • Employees are required to use the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The Career Law Clerk manages a large docket of civil and criminal cases and has primary responsibilities regarding the drafting and finalizing of opinions and orders. This fast-paced "Rocket Docket" District demands excellent writing and analytical skills. The successful applicant must meet multiple deadlines in a timely and organized fashion and must be able to produce written materials (i.e. orders, opinions, etc.) quickly and accurately. Flexibility to meet demanding deadlines and a concomitant strong work ethic are both required. Candidates must maintain a courteous and professional demeanor within chambers, the Court, and the Bar, and before the public.
At the time of appointment, the candidate must meet the following minimum requirements:
  • A graduate of an ABA accredited law school with an excellent law school record (top 10% ranking and law review editorial board experience is preferred).
  • Possess a legal license, with Virginia Bar membership preferred but not required.
  • A strong work ethic, collaborative spirit, and "can do" and resourceful attitude.
  • The ability to thrive and lift up others in an environment that is mission-centered, deadline-driven, team-based, and highly dynamic.
  • Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research, writing, and analysis.
  • Extensive skills in computer assisted research, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, Outlook, Zoom and Microsoft Teams is required.
  • Strong attention to detail, including meticulous editing skills.
  • Ability and desire to work as part of a team, including being a thought partner for others, and to take collective ownership of the work and well-being of chambers.
  • Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate well and respectfully with persons of diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities; a talent for adapting quickly and effectively; and awareness of what helps others do their jobs well.
  • Work habits that result in being consistently prepared, very organized, and able to anticipate challenges and propose solutions.
  • The capability to receive feedback well and to provide feedback constructively.
  • Respect for the role of the judiciary within our constitutional structure.
  • At least five years of legal experience after law school (federal judicial law clerk experience is strongly preferred).
  • Eligibility for a Top Secret/SCI level national security clearance.

To qualify for JSP 14, an applicant must have at least five years of legal work experience after obtaining a juris doctor degree, and two of the five years must be law clerk experience in the federal judiciary.
Education
  • A graduate of an ABA accredited law school with an excellent law school record (top 10% ranking and law review editorial board experience is preferred).
  • Possess a legal license, with Virginia Bar membership preferred but not required.

Additional information
  • Employees of the United States District Court are Excepted Service Appointments. Excepted service appointments are "at will" and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court.
  • The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any prior written or other type of notice.
  • To view the full job announcement please visit our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov.

The United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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Pay is only part of the generous total compensation package you will receive while working for the federal Judiciary. We offer employees a diverse group of benefit programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family.
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