Court Commissioner - Ex Parte

Full Job Description

King County Superior Court is seeking qualified applicants for a Court Commissioner position in its Ex Parte department.

King County Superior Court is one of the nation’s largest trial courts, serving the country’s 12th most populous county.

Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, King County Superior Court is nationally recognized for innovation.

It is the vision of KCSC to be open to all, trusted by all, and to provide justice for all.

To fulfill Superior Court's Mission, Values, and Vision, employees at all levels serve the complex needs of a diverse population of Court users.

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation. At KCSC, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging.

Who may apply: This position is open to attorneys licensed to practice in Washington State.

These are at-will positions under the court’s direction Work Schedule: The hours of work may vary but are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday at one of the King County Superior Court facilities, with additional reading required outside of regular court hours.

Work Location: This position may serve in the following King County Superior Court facilities: King County Courthouse - 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104; Maleng Regional Justice Center - 401 4th Avenue N., Kent, WA 98032.

Required Application Materials:

1. You must completely fill out the on-line application with your relevant education and work experience.

You must include a resumé and a letter of interest describing how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position and the percentage of your practice that involves adult and/or minor guardianship pursuant to the Uniform Guardianship Act, unlawful detainers, probate/TEDRA, and civil protection orders.

These materials are supplemental to your application.

2. You must complete and attach the following:
   • Confirmation of Citizenship form, per RCW 2.24.010
   • WSBA Release
   • Criminal Records Background Check form (only complete the "Subject Information" section)

Electronic versions of these documents may be found at the link below, under "Commissioner Applicants":
https://kingcounty.gov/en/court/superior-court/about-superior-court/job-opportunities

Requirements

Ex Parte: Ex Parte Commissioners hear matters in the Ex Parte Department, including but not limited to the following issues:

• Guardianship
• Trusts
• Probate
• Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution (TEDRA) matters
• Civil Temporary Restraining Orders
• Receivership and foreclosure
• Debt collection
• Temporary custody/restraining orders in Family Law matters
• Temporary Domestic Violence Protection Orders, Temporary Anti-Harassment Protection Orders, Temporary Anti-Stalking Protection Orders, Extreme Risk Protection Orders, and Sexual Assault Protection Orders
• Temporary Orders to Surrender Weapons
• Adoption of children and adults and other orders relating to adoption petitions
• Ex Parte and uncontested civil matters of any nature, subject to local rule Family Law matters under RCW 26.09, including dissolutions of marriage and legal separations for uncontested cases.
• May cover for housing commissioner for residential unlawful detainer calendar as needed
• Other matters as assigned by the Presiding Judge.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the requirements of RCW 2.24.010.

Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, with no history of discipline by the Washington State Bar Association, is required.

Must be able to effectively use a personal computer, Microsoft Office programs, and the Zoom videoconferencing application.

Knowledge of the judicial system and King County local rules, statutes, legal principles and case precedents, court procedures, King County Superior Court protocols, and King County Superior Court calendaring practices is required.

At least 50% of the applicant's current practice and five years of recent experience must be in the areas of Adult and Minor Guardianships, Trusts, Estates, and TEDRA.

Knowledge of Family Law, Civil Protection Orders, and/or Unlawful Detainer actions is preferred.

The ability to objectively identify, analyze and interpret legal issues, principles and arguments and direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, equitable and trauma-informed manner is required.

A successful candidate will be able to communicate orally and in writing in a concise, professional, and effective manner, exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm, trauma-informed and rational manner.

The ability to effectively manage a high-volume court calendar involving unrepresented litigants, within appropriate time frames, including the requisite reading and preparation, is required.

The ability to learn to proficiently use court-based technology programs, including KC Script, KCMS, Ex Parte via the Clerk, Orders for Review, and E-Filing is required.

The ability to utilize a variety of web-based remote platforms to facilitate telephone and video appearances in cases where permitted by these rules, court order, statutes, or other rules of the court is required.

Additional Information

Necessary special requirements: The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required. Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check.

Criminal background records are not automatically disqualifying. Selection process: Application materials will be screened for qualifications and offers will be made to the most competitive candidates.

Union membership: These positions are not represented by a union.

King County Superior Court is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at 206-477-1536.