Description
Under the supervision and general direction of the Presiding Judge or his/her designee, the Court Commissioner duties may include presiding over Small Claims calendars, Traffic infraction calendars, child support hearings or matters pursuant to Assembly Bill 1058 (all actions filed by the local child support agency regarding child and spousal support or paternity must be referred for hearing to a child support commissioner), mental health hearings, and sitting as a Judge Pro Tempore to hear civil, family, and criminal cases. This professional level position performs various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the Court.
The Court is seeking to fill a vacancy with an assignment to be determined and this recruitment will also lead to establishing an eligibility list for future opportunities at the Court.
Typical Tasks/Representative Duties:
The Court Commissioner's duties include handling all aspects of presiding over trials and calendars, including but not limited to case preparation, taking testimony, establishing a record, evaluating evidence, researching legal issues, issuing oral and written rulings, and entering judgments or orders.
The Court Commissioner works under the general supervision of the Presiding Judge and serves at the discretion of the Judges. The appointee will be bound by the California Code of Judicial Ethics. Private practice is prohibited. The court may also require other reasonable restrictions. The court will require cross-training in the duties listed in the definition/description above and daily calendar assignments may vary or change, based on the needs of the court.
Employment Standards/Typical Qualifications:
An eligible candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the State of California, and an active member of the California State Bar for a minimum period of ten (10) years with experience in the full-time practice of law. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and abilities consistent with the highest standards of the legal profession and with the level of expertise for the intended position.
Supplemental Information:
Application Process:
Applications must be received before 11:59 pm on August 30, 2026.
This recruitment requires the submission of an on-line application. No paper applications will be accepted. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire is required. An electronic copy of your resume must also be submitted as an attachment to this application submission. Applications must be filed online at https://santaclara.courts.ca.gov/jobs.
Selection Process:
Following the closing date of this announcement, a screening of completed application packets will be performed to determine the most qualified applicants. Those designated as most qualified will be invited to appear before the Interview Panel, which will occur the week of October 5 or October 12, 2026. Upon receipt of the recommendations of the Interview Panel, the Judges of the Santa Clara County Superior Court will make the final selection. This current recruitment is intended to fill a vacancy in an assignment to be determined.
The names of all applicants will be made available to the Court's Judges and Commissioners for evaluation. The Court will contact any reference and review any sources it deems appropriate for evaluation purposes.
The Court is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status. The Court provides reasonable accommodations for applicants challenged with disabilities. If you are challenged with a disability as defined by the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act or the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and will be requesting an accommodation in the application process, please contact Renee Hughes at rhughes@scscourt.org or Pam McGee at pmcgee@scscourt.org or (408) 882-2703 to discuss your request. TDD communication is available by calling (408) 882-2787.
The Court must verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees to comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform & Control Act. This verification is required only after an offer of employment has been made. For further information regarding the required verification, please contact Human Resources at (408) 882-2747.
