Court Commissioner
Superior Court of California, County of Kings
Invites Applications for Position of
Court Commissioner
Annual Salary $190,254.74
$91.47 Hourly
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Definition: Under the supervision and general direction of the Presiding Judge or his/her designee, this professional level position works independently and performs various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the Court. Commissioners are responsible for issuing judgments and orders, and interpreting, enforcing, and carrying out current laws. The Superior Court and the Commission on Judicial Performance concurrently monitor the conduct of Court Commissioners. A Commissioner is subject to the same Canons of Ethics as Judges. Commissioners are prohibited from engaging in the practice of law. This “At-Will” classification is exempt, unrepresented, and as such, the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Trial Court. “At-Will” employment may be terminated at any time, by order of the Presiding Judge under Government Code Section 71622, with or without cause or notice.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This professional-level class performs judicial functions for the Court, assisting the Court in disposing of business connected with the administration of justice, including acting as a temporary judge in certain case types. This position is distinguished from the position of a judge in that it is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Trial Court and acts only as a temporary judge, presiding over cases as directed, and at the stipulation of parties involved. A Court Commissioner is typically assigned to preside over case types including Traffic, Small Claims, Domestic Violence and Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, Unlawful Detainer actions, and Family Law and Motion calendars. However, a Court Commissioner may be assigned to work in any subordinate judicial officer assignment.
The Court Commissioner classification reports to and is subject to the non-judicial administrative supervision of the Court Executive Officer. The Commissioner hears cases assigned by the Presiding Judge and may serve as Judge Pro Tempore in accordance with state law.
Essential Duties: (May include, but are not limited to, the following)
- Act as a subordinate judicial officer in Court cases pursuant to the stipulation of counsel or parties; preside over daily Court calendar; preside over hearings and trials, make rulings, findings, judgments, and orders.
- Have same jurisdiction and exercise same authorities and duties as a judge of the Court in assigned cases.
- Predominantly preside over Family Law proceedings; may hear Civil cases including Unlawful Detainer and Small Claim actions, and Probate. May also hear Criminal cases and traffic-related matters.
- Grant continuances; hear, review, and rule on a variety of petitions, motions, and other actions; take evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; make or recommend appropriate Court orders; may arraign defendants; set cases for hearing and trial; conduct Court and jury trials and may accept pleas and impose sentences.
- Review Court files, documents, and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings; prepare Court documents, records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials pertaining to case findings.
- Hold pre-hearing conferences for the settlement and simplification of issues.
- Research specified decisional issues.
- Perform other judicial work as required and assigned by the Presiding Judge.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education / Experience: Active, valid membership in the California State Bar. Admitted to practice of law in California for a period of at least ten [10] years, or on a finding of good cause by the Presiding Judge, for at least a period of five [5] years; unless inactive membership due to previously holding the position of Judge, Referee or Commissioner.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Legal principles, precedents and courtroom procedures.
- California Civil Code, Penal Code, Evidence Code, Rules of Court, Code of Civil Procedure, Family Law Code and Welfare and Institutions Code.
- Case law, federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations as they apply to duties assigned.
- Handle a large number of cases effectively and efficiently.
- Objectively analyze and interpret legal issues, principles, arguments and control courtroom procedures and protocols.
- Conduct fair and impartial hearings in a manner that will obtain all pertinent evidence and secure confidence and respect.
- Speak clearly, effectively and persuasively before all audiences.
- Exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Adapt to new case management systems and accompanying protocols.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Superior Court Bench, Court Staff, members of the Bar, and various governmental agencies.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The duties assigned to this position require sitting for extended periods of time, walking, standing, use of hands and fingers to pinch and pull objects or controls, reach with arms and hands, and climb stairs. There is an occasional need to lift up to approximately twenty [20] pounds. An individual in this position should have the ability to view and/or read material up close and/or at a distance, and have no sight deficiencies related to focusing, determining colors, peripheral and/or depth perception. This position will listen to others speaking from a variety of distances within the courtroom and office areas. Some bending, stooping, and/or squatting may be required. The level of noise and foot traffic in this work environment is similar to a high-volume business office.
The Superior Court of California, County of Kings, is an Equal Opportunity Employer
[This is not an offer of employment by the County of Kings or State of California]