DISTRICT COURT COMMISSIONER

Thurston County; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Thurston County District Court invites applications for the position of Court Commissioner for the District Court. This role supports the court’s mission by ensuring timely, impartial justice and fostering public trust.

The Commissioner will hear criminal and civil matters, issue appropriate orders, and work within a team to maintain a fair court process. Qualified candidates must have a JD, trial experience, residence in Thurston County, and active Washington State Bar membership.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
• Trial experience in civil and/or criminal matters in District or Superior Court.
• Must be a resident and registered voter in Thurston County.
• Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Washington.

Responsibilities

• Hear and determine all criminal matters, including arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials and sentencing.
• Hear and determine all civil matters, including pre-trial motions, trials, and enter necessary orders.
• Enter defaults and default judgments, enter temporary and permanent orders as needed.
• Preserve order, administer oaths, and ensure attendance of witnesses as required by the judges.

Skills

Trial experience

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

The salary for this position is:$16,015.13 monthly.

Thurston County District Court invites applications from qualified attorneys who are interested in bringing an inspiring, service-oriented, and positive leadership approach to the position of Court Commissioner for the District Court. This position is appointed by the Presiding Judge of the District Court, performing all duties as assigned. The Court Commissioner, as a member of the District Court judiciary, supports the Court’s mission in providing equal access to a fair and impartial system of justice by which legal disputes may be resolved in a timely, efficient manner, while fostering public trust and confidence. As a valued member of the leadership team, this position participates in the development and implementation of the court’s mission and goals – remaining customer service-oriented, technologically innovative, efficient and creative in all our operations by maintaining a supportive working environment through encouraging teamwork, innovation and professional growth.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Has such power, authority and jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters as the appointing judges possess and prescribe, in the following particulars:
• To hear and determine all matters in criminal cases, and to make all proper orders therein, including arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials and sentencing.
• To hear and determine all civil matters, including pre-trial motions, trials, supplemental hearings and garnishments, and to enter all necessary orders.
• To grant and enter defaults and enter default judgments.
• To hear all traffic matters, including mitigation hearings and contested hearings, and to enter appropriate judgments.
• To enter temporary and permanent anti-harassment and domestic violence protection orders.
• To hear and determine all issues in small claims court.
• To hear and determine petitions for change of name.
• To hear and determine appeals from vehicle impoundment and forfeiture.
• To grant continuances, administer oaths, preserve order and compel attendance of witnesses, as fully as the judges of the District Court.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Work is performed primarily in an office and courtroom environment. Position may experience extended periods of sitting and/or standing. This is a team-centered environment.
• Schedule -Workload demands may require work outside regularly assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County District Court’s Vision: Serving Justice Through Serving People

District Court serves the community of Thurston County as a court of limited jurisdiction. This court hears misdemeanors, infractions, civil and small claims, protection orders, and name changes. Thurston County District Court provides recognized support through our court and community support services, Mental Health and Veterans Court, as well as Probation services. The vision of District Court is Serving Justice Through Serving People.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave:Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program:Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Deferred Compensation:The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA):Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness:This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here:

Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
• Trial experience in civil and/or criminal matters in District or Superior Court.
• Must be a resident and registered voter in Thurston County.
• Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Washington.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Frankie Peters, Court Executive Officer, at email: [e-mail] or by phone: [phone]

This position is:

• Not represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at [phone]. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.