Description

About the Position
The City of Derby is accepting applications for the role of Municipal Court Judge. This is a contract position appointed by the Governing Body. The Municipal Judge presides over cases involving violations of City ordinances- including traffic offenses, misdemeanor criminal matters, and other matters within the jurisdiction of the Derby Municipal Court as defined by K.S.A Chapter 12, Article 41, Derby ordinances, and other applicable Kansas law.
This position requires service of a minimum of six days per month consisting of regularly scheduled municipal court sessions (currently Thursdays) and up to two additional court administrative workdays to accomplish general administrative work, first appearance dockets, trials, or other municipal court matters plus special dockets as needed.
About the Derby Municipal Court
The Derby Municipal Court is located at 229 N. Baltimore Ave. and serves as the limited-jurisdiction court for the City of Derby as it relates to violations of City ordinances and Kansas law. Court is currently held every Thursday and includes arraignment, trial, first appearance, and continuance dockets.
The Municipal Court Judge presides over these dockets with support from court staff consisting of the court administrator, two court clerks, two part time court service officers, and one city prosecutor. In 2025, 3,605 cases were filed in Derby Municipal Court including cases related to traffic violations, DUI, domestic violence, theft, animal control, code enforcement, fire code, property maintenance, zoning, nuisance, and other ordinance violations.
Key Responsibilities

• Preside over Derby Municipal Court proceedings
• Ensure that all persons charged with the violation of municipal ordinances are treated fairly, equitably and in a manner consistent with constitutional principles
• Arraigns persons by advising defendants of the charges against them, sets bonds, hears motions, and appoints attorneys to represent defendants
• Hears and determines charges of violations of the Derby Municipal Code, commits persons to jail, assesses fines, determines diversion/probation/and termination of same.
• Reviews cases of those who did not appear in court and determines disposition
• Orders driver’s license suspensions, refers cases to collections, and orders bench warrants
• Performs legal research as necessary to render opinions
• Works with Court Administrator, City Attorney, and City Prosecutor to ensure the orderly, efficient and fiscally responsible operation of the Municipal Court
• Subject to Charter Ordinance No. 61 of the City of Derby, exercises the judicial function for the City of Derby and works professionally with City’s Municipal Court Administrator, court and legal staff, defense attorneys, law enforcement, defendants, and the public
• Maintains membership and participation in the Kansas Municipal Judges Association

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• License to practice law and membership in good standing of the bar of the State of Kansas and the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Possess high personal, moral and professional integrity and leadership qualities befitting the position of Municipal Court Judge
• Minimum five years’ experience in the active practice of law as a lawyer, judge of a court of record or any court in the state of Kansas or as a full-time teacher/professor of law in any accredited law school or any combination thereof
• Availability to preside on scheduled court dates

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Kansas judge (municipal, magistrate, or district court), judge pro tem, city prosecutor, and/or city attorney

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good listening skills
• Ability to work in environment with constant interruptions
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Analytical skills
• Basic math and accounting skills

To apply please submit the following with your online application:

• Cover Letter describing interest, experience, and qualifications to serve in this role
• Resume or CV
• Apply online and submit supporting documents at www.derbyks.gov/jobs

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2026

Requirements

This position requires service of a minimum of six days per month consisting of regularly scheduled municipal court sessions (currently Thursdays) and up to two additional court administrative workdays to accomplish general administrative work, first appearance dockets, trials, or other municipal court matters plus special dockets as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• License to practice law and membership in good standing of the bar of the State of Kansas and the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Possess high personal, moral and professional integrity and leadership qualities befitting the position of Municipal Court Judge
• Minimum five years’ experience in the active practice of law as a lawyer, judge of a court of record or any court in the state of Kansas or as a full-time teacher/professor of law in any accredited law school or any combination thereof
• Availability to preside on scheduled court dates

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Kansas judge (municipal, magistrate, or district court), judge pro tem, city prosecutor, and/or city attorney

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good listening skills
• Ability to work in environment with constant interruptions
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Analytical skills
• Basic math and accounting skill