Hearings Referee

State of Oregon • Oregon City, OR

9d • $3,963 - $6,148 • Onsite

About The Position

The Clackamas County Circuit Court is hiring a Part-Time Hearings Referee. In this role, you will preside over a wide variety of legal matters that may include family law hearings, juvenile proceedings, civil commitment hearings, and other cases as assigned. You will conduct hearings or trials on assigned cases; investigate the facts of the case by hearing testimony and examining evidence; instruct parties on legal rights and procedures as required by law; make findings of fact and apply applicable law to those facts and issue judicial orders and judgments. You will frequently work with both represented and self‑represented litigants, ensuring that all proceedings are conducted clearly, fairly, and in accordance with the law. Assigned tasks may be changed to accommodate workload and organizational needs. We welcome all candidates who are inspired by our work and mission.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Five (5) years of experience as a trial attorney in criminal, civil, or family litigation
• Currently approved by the Oregon Supreme Court to sit as a Circuit Court Judge pro tempore OR must be approved and complete the process to sit as an Oregon Circuit Court Judge pro tempore within 60 calendar days of the date of hire (additional days to complete the process may be granted to address circumstances beyond the control of the candidate).
• Active member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing for a period of at least three years.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of statutes, case law, and procedures applicable to the types of matters commonly assigned to a hearings referee (e.g. family law, juvenile matters, and civil commitment)
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence and procedure, including how you have used them in practice and how you would apply them when making rulings.
• Clear and effective oral and written communication skills, including examples from past work and how you would use these skills to explain rulings, rights, and procedures.
• Strong legal research and analysis skills, including the ability to identify legal issues quickly and how you would apply those skills in time-sensitive hearing settings.
• Experience using computer programs and court-related systems to search, enter, and maintain information.
• Skill in understanding, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, regulations, and policies accurately and consistently.
• Skill in working respectfully and professionally with people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may be unfamiliar with court processes or who may be angry, distraught, or confused.
• Skill in managing a courtroom or hearing setting effectively or experience that show how you would maintain order, guide proceedings, and ensure procedural fairness.
• Commitment to impartiality and access to justice, including how you have demonstrated fairness in past roles and how you would ensure that all parties are heard and treated consistently in your courtroom.

Responsibilities

• Preside over a wide variety of legal matters that may include family law hearings, juvenile proceedings, civil commitment hearings, and other cases as assigned.
• Conduct hearings or trials on assigned cases.
• Investigate the facts of the case by hearing testimony and examining evidence.
• Instruct parties on legal rights and procedures as required by law.
• Make findings of fact and apply applicable law to those facts and issue judicial orders and judgments.
• Frequently work with both represented and self‑represented litigants, ensuring that all proceedings are conducted clearly, fairly, and in accordance with the law.
• Assigned tasks may be changed to accommodate workload and organizational needs.

Benefits

• 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums for full-time employees [OR up to 99% of medical insurance premiums for part-time employees], including mental health coverage.
• 10 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 3 personal business days, separate sick and vacation paid leaves (prorated for part-time employees), and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• 5% allowance for bilingual skills (includes ASL) if you can pass a skills test and are assigned to use those skills on the job!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree