DC Court Commissioner

Yakima County • Yakima County Courthouse, WA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Yakima County Government is seeking a full-time Court Commissioner for the Yakima County District Court. This role operates under the direction of the District Court Judges and performs independent judicial functions as authorized by Washington State law and court rules. The Court Commissioner presides over a variety of District Court proceedings, including civil cases, small claims, name changes, vehicle impound hearings, civil protection orders, infractions, contested infractions, and criminal proceedings, motions, and trials. Key responsibilities include conducting hearings, evaluating evidence and testimony, making findings of fact and conclusions of law, issuing rulings and court orders, and ensuring fair and efficient proceedings in compliance with laws and court rules. The position demands extensive knowledge of civil law, judicial temperament, strong legal analysis skills, and the ability to manage courtroom proceedings effectively with diverse participants. The Court Commissioner may be assigned to multiple court locations and must be available for an on-call rotation to review probable cause requests outside normal business hours. This is a regular, exempt position ineligible for overtime.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate or completion of APR 6 program; and admission to Washington State Bar Association.
• A valid license to practice law in the State of Washington.
• Admitted and a minimum of to practice for a period of at least five (5) years of legal experience.
• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Proof of auto insurance, if requested.
• Incumbents must be a citizen of the United States and cannot engage in active practice of law during employment with the court in this capacity.
• Successful completion of a comprehensive criminal background investigation and general employment verification prior to employment.
• The incumbent is required to attend Washington Judicial College within 12 months of appointment.
• The incumbent must maintain the highest standards of conduct consistent with the Code of Judicial Conduct and other applicable rules.

Nice To Haves

• An emphasis on Civil Law is preferred.
• Previous experience as a pro tem judge, court commissioner, administrative law judge, magistrate or equivalent.
• Experience in District Court or courts of limited jurisdiction.
• Experience handing civil protection orders, infraction proceedings, or criminal matters.
• Experience working with self-represented litigants.

Responsibilities

• Conducts hearings and trials involving civil lawsuits, small claims matters, name changes, vehicle impound hearings, and civil protection orders.
• Evaluates evidence and testimony, applies applicable statutes and court rules and issues findings, rulings, judgments and orders.
• Presides over criminal hearings within District Court jurisdiction including municipal contracted District Court. Hearings include arraignments, pre-trial hearings, motions, contested hearings, and infraction calendars.
• Conducts contested infraction hearings and rules on procedural and substantive legal matters.
• Reviews court files, pleadings, motions, declarations, affidavits, proposed orders, and related legal documents in preparation for hearings.
• Ensures court hearings are conducted fairly, impartially, and efficiently.
• Explains court procedures when appropriate and ensures compliance with constitutional requirements, court rules, and judicial ethics.
• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, court rules, and legal precedent relevant to matters before the court.
• Applies legal reasoning and judicial discretion in making decisions and rulings.
• Other duties as required.

Benefits

• Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
• Retirement Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, Prescription and Vision Coverage
• Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA- VEBA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Voluntary Benefits – vision, term life, critical illness, disability and other insurance plans
• Washington State Retirement Plan (DRS)
• 457 Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level