Superior Court Commissioner Part Time

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey•Marina, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Applications for the Superior Court Commissioner will be reviewed and considered on a competitive basis. This is a part-time (0.6 Salaried / Exempt from overtime) position. First consideration will be given to applications received on or before Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. After August 16th, applications will be reviewed and considered on a competitive basis weekly, until the position has been filled. In order to be eligible for consideration, interested candidates must submit the following documents: 1. Court Application 2. Letter of Interest 3. Resume 4. Responses to the Supplemental Questions Failure to post all required documents will automatically result in being eliminated from the recruitment. After a thorough review, those candidates who best exhibit the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in their application materials will be invited to continue the recruitment process, which may include: 1. On-site Pre-Interview Exercise 2. On-site Panel Interview(s) This is an at-will position, under the authority of the Judges of the Court, and at the direction of the Presiding Judge. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Court and not subject to other vested terms of service. DEFINITION Under the authority of the Judges of the Superior Court and the direction of the Presiding Judge, the Court Commissioners perform various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the Court. The power and authority of Court Commissioners is specified in Article VI, Section 22, of the California Constitution, Code of Civil Procedure Section 259 and Government Code Section 71622. As directed by the Presiding Judge or Supervising Judge, the Court Commissioner may be asked to serve as a temporary judge handling a variety of other court matters. Commissioners have the same jurisdiction and exercise the same powers and duties as the judges of the courts with respect to infractions and small claims actions, child support and in other matters pursuant to stipulation of the parties. Court Commissioners are appointed by the majority vote of the judges. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This professional level class performs judicial functions for the courts, assisting the courts in disposing of business connected with the administration of justice, including acting as a temporary judge in certain types of cases. It is distinguished from the position of judge in that it is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the judges and acts only as a temporary judge, presiding over cases as directed, at the stipulation of the parties. A Court Commissioner may preside over any of the following case types: traffic, small claims, domestic violence and civil harassment restraining orders, unlawful detainer actions, and family law and motion calendars. However, Court Commissioners may be assigned to work in any subordinate judicial officer assignment at any court location (including temporary or interim court locations). This professional level class works independently under general direction of the judges of the court as a temporary judge, in accordance with State law. Incumbents have responsibility for interpreting, enforcing, and carrying out current laws. Actions to be taken and decisions to be made include researching specified decision issues, and issuing judgments, orders. The Court Commissioner position can be located at any court location within Monterey County, including temporary or interim court locations.

Requirements

Possession of a law degree from an accredited law school.
At least ten (10) years of experience in civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate and/or law and motion litigation.
Knowledge of the judicial system in the State of California.
Knowledge of trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of legal principles and precedents as applied to judicial procedures.
Knowledge of California Rules of Court and Codes such as Vehicle, Penal, Evidence, Civil, Civil Procedures and Code of Judicial Conduct.
Knowledge of legal research techniques, including the use of legal reference works, case law and statutory law.
General computer equipment and operation knowledge.
Ability to read, understand, objectively examine, interpret and apply a variety of laws, rules and regulations.
Ability to exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a concise, effective, and professional manner.
Ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
Ability to present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Ability to meet education and training requirements established in California Rules of Court, Rules 5.340 and 10.462-10.469 by attending new judicial officer and continuing education programs.
Ability to use personal computers and operate pertinent software programs.

Nice To Haves

Exceptions may be made if applicant was an inactive member due to previously holding the position of judge, referee or commissioner.

Responsibilities

Perform various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the Court.
Serve as a temporary judge handling a variety of court matters as directed by the Presiding Judge or Supervising Judge.
Exercise the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as judges of the courts with respect to infractions and small claims actions, child support, and other matters pursuant to stipulation of the parties.
Preside over hearings and trials, make rulings, findings, judgments, and orders in a fair and ethical manner.
Preside over proceedings in civil and small claims actions, criminal and traffic arraignments, hearings and trials of infractions, misdemeanors, probate, family law and juvenile proceedings.
Review court files, documents, and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings.
Prepare court documents, records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials pertaining to case findings.
Interpret, enforce, and carry out current laws.
Research specified decision issues and issue judgments and orders.
Conduct a courtroom in a fair, courteous, decisive, orderly, equitable, and efficient manner.
Handle a large calendar caseload effectively and efficiently.