DC Court Commissioner

Yakima County•Yakima County Courthouse, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Yakima County District Court is seeking a full-time Court Commissioner to perform independent judicial functions under the direction of District Court Judges. This role presides over various District Court proceedings including civil cases, small claims, name changes, vehicle impound hearings, civil protection orders, infractions, and criminal proceedings. The Commissioner is responsible for conducting hearings, evaluating evidence, making findings, issuing rulings and orders, and ensuring fair and efficient proceedings in compliance with laws and court rules. The position requires extensive knowledge of civil law, judicial temperament, strong legal analysis skills, and the ability to manage courtroom proceedings effectively. 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.
Admission to Washington State Bar Association.
A valid license to practice law in the State of Washington.
Admitted and a minimum of 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.
Must be a citizen of the United States.
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 handling 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 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)