This is a part-time (16 hours per week) Court Commissioner position pursuant to RCW 2.24, appointed by the Superior Court Judges.

Due to ethical rules and the Code of Judicial Conduct, the Commissioner will be limited in their ability to appear on cases heard in Skagit County Superior Court.

May act pursuant to RCW 2.24.040 as directed by the Superior Court Presiding Judge.

Hear and decide matters as directed, which may include:

• Civil and Guardianship/Probate Matters: guardianships (including minor guardianships), probates, unlawful detainer cases, domestic violence protection orders and other types of orders for protection or restraints, ex parte calendars, adoptions, and other civil calendars as assigned.
• Family Law: all types of family law cases, including dissolutions, parenting plans, child support, paternity, and support enforcement cases.

• Juvenile Court: juvenile offender cases, ARY and CHINS petitions, truancies, and dependency calendars.
• Adult Criminal Matters: including arraignments, preliminary appearances, probable cause determinations, setting of pretrial release conditions, reviewing applications for search warrants, and signing continuances.

Acts as Ex Parte Judicial Officer as directed.

Hear, decide, and act in any other Judicial Officer capacity as directed.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, four-year college or university,
• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school, and five (5) years of experience in the practice of law.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar association.
  • Per RCW 2.24.010, United States citizenship is required.
• Candidates will be expected to pass a criminal background check.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the judicial system, including but not limited to civil law, juvenile law, family law, criminal law, Skagit County Superior Court’s local rules and court procedures, statutes, legal principles, and caselaw
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships within the court and with the legal community
• Excellent legal research and writing skills
• The ability to manage high volume court calendars while also engaging in the requisite advance reading and preparation for all calendars
• The ability to objectively identify, analyze, and interpret legal issues, principles, and arguments; direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, and equitable manner; exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm and rational manner
• The ability to proficiently use court-based technology programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment.

HAZARDS:

Those present in a normal office environment with occasional exposure to hostile persons and stressful situations.

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.