District Court Commissioner

County of Thurston

Olympia (WA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Thurston County District Court invites applications from qualified attorneys for the Court Commissioner position. Appointed by the Presiding Judge, the Commissioner supports the court’s mission to provide fair access to justice and efficient resolution of disputes, while fostering public trust.

Essential duties include presiding over criminal and civil matters, issuing orders, defaults, protective orders, and handling traffic and small claims matters.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
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 criminal matters, including arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials and sentencing.
Hear and determine civil matters, including pre-trial motions, trials, supplemental hearings and garnishments, and to enter all necessary orders.
Grant defaults and enter default judgments.
Hear all traffic matters, including mitigation hearings and contested hearings, and to enter appropriate judgments.
Enter temporary and permanent anti-harassment and domestic violence protection orders.
Hear and determine all issues in small claims court.
Hear and determine petitions for change of name.
Hear and determine appeals from vehicle impoundment and forfeiture.
Grant continuances, administer oaths, preserve order and compel attendance of witnesses, as fully as the judges of the District Court.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law

Job description

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

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.

This description reflects the general concept and intent of the position of Court Commissioner and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

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.
Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

This position is: