Hearings Referee (Downtown Hearings Referee)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) is seeking Hearings Referees/ProTem Judges for the Multnomah County Circuit Court in downtown Portland. This role involves presiding over various legal matters, including preliminary criminal proceedings, misdemeanor trials, traffic and parking violations, small claims, landlord/tenant disputes, and mental illness commitment proceedings. The assignments will rotate based on court needs. The position requires investigating facts, ruling on evidence and subpoenas, making judicial determinations, and imposing penalties. OJD is committed to serving the public and removing barriers to access justice, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds who are inspired by their mission to apply.

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 ability to obtain approval and complete the process to sit as an Oregon Circuit Court Judge pro tempore within 60 calendar days of the date of hire.
• Active member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing for a period of at least three years.
• Current Oregon resident.
• Skill conducting quasi-judicial or administrative hearings.
• Skill communicating effectively, orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.
• Commitment to the tenets of procedural fairness.
• Ability to maintain judicial composure, keep order in the courtroom, address and meet the needs of all persons present for respect and affirmation, and render fair and comprehensible decisions.
• Ability to maintain membership in the Oregon State Bar.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a pro tempore appointment to sit as a circuit court judge.

Nice To Haves

• Currently approved to sit as a Circuit Court Judge pro tempore by the Oregon Supreme Court.

Responsibilities

• Preside over a variety of legal matters before the court, including but not limited to: routine preliminary criminal proceedings; misdemeanor trials and hearings; traffic and parking violation motions, hearings, trials, and mail pleas; small claims and landlord/tenant motions, hearings, and trials; mental illness commitment proceedings; and other cases as assigned.
• Investigate facts by examining evidence and testimony.
• Instruct participants as to their rights.
• Rule on subpoenas for witnesses or the production of evidence.
• Rule on the relevancy or admissibility of evidence.
• Make findings of fact and conclusions of law.
• Impose fines, fees, and sentences.
• Review mail pleas and correspondence from litigants and make judicial determinations.
• Perform other matters as assigned.

Benefits

• 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid for full-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).
• Optional insurances.
• Flexible spending plans.
• 5% allowance for bilingual skills (includes ASL) if skills test is passed and skills are used on the job.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree