Family and Circuit Court Commissioner

Eau Claire County•Eau Claire, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This Family and Circuit Court Commissioner performs judicial work exercising the statutory powers and duties of a court commissioner under own authority and on authority delegated by a judge. This position exercises those powers to the extent required for the performance of the inherent duties of the position and those delegated to it by authority of the chief judge of the judicial administrative district or designee.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school.
Five (5) years of experience in law practice.
Admission to the Wisconsin State Bar.
Must possess and maintain licensure to practice law in the State of Wisconsin as a condition of employment.
Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Family Court Commissioner, Circuit Court Commissioner, or Judge preferred.

Responsibilities

Applies knowledge of the principles and practices of the judicial system to perform judicial functions for legal matters; adheres to rules of procedure for administration of matters pertaining to adjudication; evaluates allegations and evidence to determine their sufficiency and/or credibility; rules on procedure, admissibility of evidence or testimony, and other issues.
Adheres to Wisconsin State Statutes, with thorough knowledge of Chapter 767, to perform statutory duties of Family Court Commissioner; conducts hearings; enters orders and judgments in actions to finalize divorces, establish paternity, and establish or enforce a child support obligation; revises orders or judgments for child support performs marriages.
Performs state-mandated duties of Director of Family Court Counseling Services; coordinates availability of qualified staff to perform required services; supervises, performs, or contracts for legal custody and physical placement studies; evaluates and credentials contract services agencies; ensures funding for counseling services is administered and managed accordingly.
Practices expertise in evidence review to make reasonable judgments on arrests; performs judicial review of arrests and the charges individuals are held for on weekends (within 48 hours) to determine whether the individual will be let out on bond or held in jail.
Directs cases to the proper court if the defendant wishes to enter a plea.
Issues summonses, arrest, or search warrants, which may occur outside of regular business hours; elicits information from others to present findings in a manner consistent with acceptable legal standards; conducts initial appearances of persons arrested; sets bail and schedules subsequent appearances on criminal matters; provides defendants with information regarding charges and right to counsel at initial appearances through effective oral and written communication.
Conducts initial appearances in traffic and other forfeiture cases, accepts pleas, imposes forfeitures, orders revocation and suspension of operating privileges, and refers cases to court.
Conducts initial return appearance and conciliation conferences in small claims actions.
Conducts annual Watts review hearings according to Wisconsin State Statute 55.18, and non-contested probate proceedings.
Issues warrants and capiases for those who do not appear.
Orders the release or detention of children apprehended, conducts detention and shelter care hearings, conducts preliminary appearances, and enters into consent decrees.
Hears petitions for commitment and conducts probable cause hearings for mental commitments and protective placements of persons alleged to be mentally ill.
Conducts initial truancy court hearings.
Performs other related duties as directed and assigned.