This part-time judge position assists with all operations, services, and activities of the Municipal Court. The role involves presiding over various dockets, arbitrating disputes, issuing warrants, and reviewing new laws. It suits a legal professional who can work flexible shifts, including nights and weekends, and maintain control of a courtroom.
Responsibilities
Preside over various dockets as assigned, including plea dockets, juvenile/truancy dockets, environmental/code dockets, revocation dockets, and arraignment dockets
Arbitrate disputes and advise counsel, jury, litigants, and Court personnel on Court procedures
Administer the judicial system and settle disputes between opposing parties
Issue search and arrest warrants
Set and forfeit bail for Class C misdemeanors falling under municipal court jurisdiction
Set bail for felony and misdemeanor arrest warrants
Process Class C warrant queues, administrative dockets, cash dockets, and miscellaneous dockets
Review new laws, major court decisions, and other pertinent information relevant to Court procedures and operations on an ongoing basis
Attend staff meetings, as well as required continuing legal and judicial education
Ensure availability to work all shifts, including overnights and weekends
Requirements
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
Two or more years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of law in Texas
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid license as an attorney issued by the Supreme Court of the State of Texas, and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
Be a citizen of the United States and the State of Texas
Reside in Fort Worth at the time of appointment
Maintain residence in Fort Worth during the tenure of office
Pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility
Nice to have:
Organization and time management skills
Ability to maintain control of a courtroom
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
Ability to resolve conflict
Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills in accordance with law, regulation, and policies
Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and knowledge to complex legal problems
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Important Details
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Tailored applications submitted
Application deadline: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Schedule: Up to 19 hours per week; on duty and/or on-call 24 hours per day, 365 days per year; specific work assignments include day, evening, and weekend shifts; required to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, vacations, and as needed when full-time judges are off
Court work assignments at A. D. Marshall Municipal Court Building, 1000 Throckmorton, are weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Arraignment work assignments at Belknap Detention Center, 350 W. Belknap, are 1st shift (12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.), 2nd shift (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and 3rd shift (4 p.m. to 12 a.m.), seven days per week
Contract: The Fort Worth City Council appoints or reappoints part-time Municipal Court Judges for a term of two years, commencing April 1 of each even-numbered year
About the Company
The City of Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the U.S., serving the needs of over 1,000,000 residents. Its values include exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, embracing diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability.
Ranked the nation’s fastest growing city with a population of more than 900,000 — the 12th largest city in the country — and one of America’s Most Livable Communities of the decade, Fort Worth has endured economic changes and retained its Western heritage as it continues to prosper.
