Page 1 of 1
Interviewing w/ magistrate judge
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 3:34 pm
by picardy third
So, I have an internship interview coming up with a magistrate judge (non-federal), and don't want to sound totally clueless. From what I've found, the judge does non-jury trials and is on the "Civil 2" calendar, which means everything that isn't a complex case (e.g. mass torts) or a small claims case. I'm not sure what "everything else" really entails, aside from what I hope is an opportunity to learn a ton about civil litigation. Is there anyone who's worked in a similar-sounding position who would like to share a little about their experience? Thanks!
Re: Interviewing w/ magistrate judge
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 3:54 pm
by Cupidity
Tons of criminal plea hearings, and a handful of civil forfeitures. Enjoy writing RORs.
Re: Interviewing w/ magistrate judge
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 4:24 pm
by billyez
Cupidity wrote:Enjoy writing RORs.
Re: Interviewing w/ magistrate judge
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 5:10 pm
by picardy third
Cupidity wrote:Tons of criminal plea hearings, and a handful of civil forfeitures. Enjoy writing RORs.
Um, civil calendar? (Not expecting any criminal plea hearings.)
Re: Interviewing w/ magistrate judge
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 5:14 pm
by Cupidity
picardy third wrote:Cupidity wrote:Tons of criminal plea hearings, and a handful of civil forfeitures. Enjoy writing RORs.
Um, civil calendar? (Not expecting any criminal plea hearings.)
Never heard of magistrate not doing criminal plea hearings before, regardless of the calendar.
Re: Interviewing w/ magistrate judge
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 5:21 pm
by picardy third
Cupidity wrote:picardy third wrote:Cupidity wrote:Tons of criminal plea hearings, and a handful of civil forfeitures. Enjoy writing RORs.
Um, civil calendar? (Not expecting any criminal plea hearings.)
Never heard of magistrate not doing criminal plea hearings before, regardless of the calendar.
Oh, I must not know how it works then--I assumed civil meant only civil cases would be there? Explain please? Now it occurs to me I don't know what the calendar is.
Re: Interviewing w/ magistrate judge
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 5:32 pm
by Cupidity
You've got the definition of Civil 2 essentially right, it is for run of the mill civil cases, mostly employment discrimination, subrogation, a few diversity contract breaches, scheduled to resolve in the standard 24 months. But likely means those are the type of civil cases he hears, and doesn't mean that he won't have criminal responsibilities since all federal court judges are generalists by trade. Working for a magistrate is an excellent experience, their interns typically spend a lot of time working on evidence issues and writing RORs. Working in a Court is an amazing experience, and most judges will generally let you work on what interests you, and float around the court a couple days a week watching hearings.