Court Commissioner

Fresno-Superior-Court-; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, seeks a temporary judge to preside over superior court cases, conduct hearings and trials, and issue rulings and orders. Candidates must be admitted to practice in California and have substantial experience in diverse areas of law, including family, criminal, juvenile, and civil matters.

Applicants will handle arraignments, continuances, petitions, and rulings, ensuring courtroom order and timely decisions.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of the judicial system, including family, criminal, juvenile and civil law.
• Ability to analyze and interpret legal issues objectively and control courtroom proceedings with judicial temperament.
• Effective written and oral communication under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Act as a temporary judge in Superior Court cases; preside over hearings and trials; issue rulings and orders.
• Arraign defendants; handle continuances; review petitions and motions; set court dates; conduct court and jury trials.
• Conduct judicial hearings in family support matters, possibly as judge pro-tem or commissioner for review by a judge.
• Perform probate-related functions including review of pleadings, accountings, and presiding over probate proceedings.

Skills

Judicial knowledge

Education

California Bar admission

Job description

Initial Submission Deadline

The initial submission deadline for applications to be considered is Friday, October 9, 2026.

Tentative Recruitment Activities

Initial Interviews to be held the week of October 26, 2026.

Final Selection Interviews to be held the week of November 9, 2026.

Applicants must possess comprehensive knowledge of the judicial system, including but not limited to family, criminal, juvenile and civil law. Applicants must also possess the ability to objectively analyze and interpret legal issues, principles, arguments and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly and equitable manner. In addition, must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing in a concise manner and exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations.

Job Responsibilities

1. Act as a temporary judge in Superior Court cases pursuant to stipulation of counsel or parties; conduct a daily court calendar; preside over hearings and trials; make rulings, findings, judgments and orders.
2. Arraign defendants; grant continuances, hear, review and rule on or determine a variety of petitions, motions or other actions; take evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; make or recommend appropriate court orders; accept pleas and impose sentences; set cases for hearings and trials; and conduct court and jury trials.
3. Conduct judicial hearings in family support cases involving Title IV of the Social Security Act, and cases filed by the Department of Child Support Services to establish paternity and other child support-related matters. May act as a judge pro-tem in such matters, or as a commissioner making findings and recommendations for review by a judge of the Superior Court.
4. Perform one or more of the functions of a probate commissioner, including review of pleadings and accountings in probate, guardianship, conservatorship and related matters; approving creditors' claims, ex parte orders and other probate actions; and presiding over probate proceedings as assigned.
5. Preside over proceedings involving such matters as criminal and traffic arraignments, hearings and trials of infractions, misdemeanors and felonies, including day and evening court sessions as assigned.
6. Preside over proceedings in civil and small claims actions.
7. 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.
8. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge.

Membership: An active member in good standing with the State Bar of California

Experience: Admitted to practice law in California for a period of at least ten (10) years prior to appointment, or in any state and California for a combined period of not less than ten (10) years, unless inactive membership due to previously holding the position of judge, referee, or commissioner.

License: Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license.

Other: Citizenship in the United States and residency in California.

Background Investigations

Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Request for Reasonable Accommodations

The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] or via email at [e-mail]. Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments may also contact Human Resources for this position through the use of the California Relay Service by dialing 711.