Pro-Tempore Court Commissioner: Family Law/Civil Protection Order

Full Job Description

King County Superior Court is accepting applications for Pro-Tempore Commissioners to support Family Law/Protection Order calendars. Pro-Tempore Commissioners play a critical role in the Court's mission to equitably serve the diverse public by administering justice through accessible, inclusive, and unbiased forums for the fair, understandable, and timely resolution of legal matters.

This recruitment will supplement Superior Court’s list of Pro Tempore Commissioners. Current Pro Tempore Commissioners for Superior Court Family Law/Protection Order calendars are not required to submit a new application.

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.

The hourly pay rate for Commissioners Pro-Tempore is $123.95

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

Work Schedule: The Commissioner Pro-Tempore is an intermittent, temporary position, filling in when a sitting judicial officer is unavailable. The hours of work are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but may include additional hours for preparation and entry of orders outside of those hours.

Work Location: These positions may serve in any of the King County Superior Court facilities: King County Courthouse - 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104; Clark Children and Family Justice Center- 1211 East Alder Street, Seattle, WA 98122 ; 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. Applications that state "see my resume" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
2. You must include a resume and a letter of interest describing how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position. These materials are supplemental to your application.
3. You must complete and attach the following:

• Confirmation of Citizenship form, per RCW 2.24.010
• WSBA Release
• Criminal Records Background Check form

Electronic versions of these documents may be found at the link below: Job opportunities - Superior Court - King County, Washington

Requirements

In accordance with RCW 2.24.040(1), RCW 7.105.580, RCW 13.04.021, and RCW 26.12.060, Pro-Tempore Family Law/Protection Order Commissioners’ duties include presiding over matters pertaining to Family Law and Civil Protection Order matters and performing other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge, when a sitting judicial officer is unavailable. These duties include, but are not limited to:

Temporary orders, including parenting plans, support, property distribution, and additional issues.Adequate cause for modification of parenting plansDetermination of parentage Child custody Restraining orders Civil Protection Orders, including Domestic Violence, Extreme Risk, Stalking, Sexual Assault and Anti-Harassment Protection OrdersContempt and enforcementDissolutions of marriage Legal separationsOther matters as assigned by the Presiding Judge Qualifications Required Qualifications - Pro Tempore Commissioner - Family Law:At least 50% of the applicant's current practice and a minimum of five years of recent experience must be in the area of family law under RCW Title 26; or experience deemed as equivalent.

Familiarity with King County Family Law rules and practice is required.Required Qualifications - Pro Tempore Commissioner - Civil Protection Order Applicants, in addition to Family Law Commissioner requirements, must have appeared as counsel or have other relevant experience with Civil Protection Orders under RCW 7.105.Additional Required QualificationsApplicants 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 use a personal computer, Microsoft Office programs, and the Zoom videoconferencing application.

Knowledge of the judicial system, including applicable law 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.

The ability to objectively identify, analyze and interpret legal issues, principles and arguments; 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 within appropriate time frames, including the requisite reading and preparation, is required.

The ability to proficiently use court-based technology programs, including KC Script, KCMS, ShareFile, and E-Filing 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. If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at 206-477-7641.