Auburn Municipal Court - Presiding Judge

This position is open until filled. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a continuous basis.

The City of Auburn, Washington, is requesting applications from well-qualified attorneys interested in serving as the Presiding Judge for the City of Auburn Municipal Court, which will begin operations January 1, 2027, pursuant to Auburn City Code Chapter 2.14 (Ordinance No. 7002) and RCW 3.50 et seq.

The Municipal Court will exercise exclusive jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors arising under City ordinances, traffic infractions, parking infractions, and other matters authorized by law. The Court will operate as an independent judicial branch consistent with General Rule 29 while working collaboratively with City Administration on budget, staffing, and facility issues to ensure efficient delivery of justice services to the Auburn community.

The Presiding Judge will lead the initial implementation of the Municipal Court and the establishment of court procedures, case-management systems, and judicial administrative processes.

The Municipal Court Judge presides over and adjudicates a variety of hearings and trials relating to civil infractions and parking cases, criminal misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases in accordance with established legal procedures as prescribed by Washington State law; imposes appropriate sentences and penalties as prescribed by law; and maintains communication with other city, county, and state criminal‑justice agencies.

The person selected must take an oath of office under RCW 3.50.097, be bondable, and be available nights and weekends for probable‑cause determinations and review of search warrants. The judge must comply with the Code of Judicial Conduct and ethics laws applicable to judicial officers. The appointed judge must be a citizen of the United States and of the State of Washington and a resident of either King or Pierce County at the time of appointment (RCW 3.50.057).

The judge is appointed by the Mayor of Auburn, subject to confirmation by the City Council (Auburn City Code 2.14.040).

The Mayor plans to appoint a Presiding Judge who will, prior to the official commencement of court operations on January 1, 2027, assist with the establishment of the Auburn Municipal Court and participate in the selection of the Court Administrator. For any hours worked in support of these pre‑establishment activities, the Judge will be compensated at an hourly rate established by the City.

The first judicial appointment to this position will become effective January 1, 2027, and will expire December 31, 2029, aligning with the statutory term cycle confirmed by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Thereafter, judges will be elected to four‑year terms in accordance with RCW 3.50.055 and 3.50.050. The Presiding Judge is expected to devote full‑time service to the Court and not hold any other judicial appointment. The Court’s primary facilities are located at the Auburn Justice Center, 340 E Main St., Auburn, WA.

The City recognizes the need for judicial independence. Consistent with General Rule 29, the Presiding Judge has independence from the executive and legislative branches in carrying out purely judicial responsibilities. At the same time, the Municipal Court is a city department subject to oversight as allowed by law. The expectation is that the Court and City Administration will maintain a collaborative relationship on decisions affecting budget, staffing, and level of service.

• Preside over criminal, traffic, and civil matters within the jurisdiction of the Court.
• Review and issue search and arrest warrants and make probable‑cause determinations.
• Conduct arraignments, pre‑trial hearings, bench and jury trials, sentencings, and post‑judgment proceedings.
• Provide leadership and direction to Municipal Court staff, appointed in accordance with Auburn City Code 2.14.090 and General Rule 29.
• Oversee Court operations including case flow, collections, budget, and technology systems.
• Coordinate with the Police Department, Prosecutor, and Public Defense programs to ensure timely and equitable adjudication of cases.
• Ensure the Court…