Job Details

The Town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, a suburban coastal community of approximately 30,000 residents, is seeking candidates for a Municipal/ Housing Court Judge. This part time position will be appointed by the Town Council and will serve as the chief executive of the Municipal and Housing Court responsible for impartially carrying out all duties and responsibilities of the Court in accordance with the Town of South Kingstown Charter, South Kingstown Municipal Code, and any applicable State and/or Federal Laws affecting the Court. Appointments are made by the Town Council for a two-year term that runs concurrent with the Council until a successor is appointed.

As the Town’s chief executive of Municipal/Housing Court, the Judge will maintain familiarity with the substantive law and procedures applicable to municipal courts. Candidates must understand the jurisdictional authority with which the court is vested, have knowledge of the type of offenses that may be heard and the legal action basis for the court action, and knowledge of town codes and or ordinances. The Municipal/Housing Court Judge will establish local rules and procedures and adopt Administrative Orders for the Court as well as establish and adopt a Schedule of Fines. The candidate will command respect for judicial authority, treat all persons who come before the court with professionalism, impartiality, and fairness. The Municipal/Housing Court Judge will solely be responsible for hearing and disposition of all cases filed in the municipal court and will make rulings on all motions filed as well as answer questions from defendants. It is anticipated that Municipal Court will be held two times per month in the evenings at South Kingstown Town Hall, 180 High Street, Wakefield RI.

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 12-25 of the South Kingstown Town Code of Ordinances candidates must be a lawyer admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the State of Rhode Island in good standing and shall have not less than ten years of experience in the active practice of law in the State of Rhode Island. In addition the Municipal/Housing Court Judge shall not shall not be permitted to appear before any court, board or agency within the Town of South Kingstown and/or the State of Rhode Island, including but not limited to the Town Council, Zoning Board of Review, Planning Board, School Committee, Probate Court, District Court or Superior Court, wherein the matter to be before said court, board or agency concerns a local matter or case.

This part time position’s salary is $15,000, and is not benefit eligible. The Council may appoint a backup Municipal/ Housing Court Judge with an annual salary of $3,000. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to: jobs@southkingstownri.com or by hand or mail to: Personnel Administrator, Town Hall, 180 High Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application materials will be accepted through Friday, March 3, 2023.