Family Court Commissioner
Job Description
Position Summary:
The purpose of this position is to serve as judicial officer in processing cases, to serve as Family Court Commissioner in assessing client needs and providing appropriate court services, and to perform judicial duties and conduct hearings to facilitate the movement of cases through the court system.
Examples of Work Performed:
The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Performs quasi-judicial functions in conducting a variety of hearings and appearances for family, criminal, civil, juvenile, and mental health cases; interprets and applies local court rules, case law and statutes; advises criminal defendant, juvenile offenders, parents and litigants of right to counsel.
Conducts temporary order hearings in divorce cases; decides issues and makes order regarding support, maintenance, property division and payment of debts; hears uncontested divorce cases; enters findings of fact, conclusions of law and judgments in divorce cases.
Conducts Chapter 51/mental commitment and alcohol commitment cases; determines probable cause to hold, orders hold or release, and orders examinations as necessary.
Conducts initial appearances in child protection cases and juvenile delinquency cases; provides for uncontested extensions in juvenile and child protection cases.
Conducts small claims trials; makes evidentiary rulings and decides cases; conducts small claims returns; takes initial pleas and enters judgments; assists in negotiating settlements of small claims cases.
Conducts criminal and civil traffic appearances and sets bond or conditions of release, or takes pleas; enters orders and imposes forfeitures, suspensions, and demerit points against the defendant’s license in civil traffic matters.
Conducts child support contempt and modification hearings. Also conducts child support intake and child custody enforcement injunction hearings. Prepares post-judgment custody and placement orders as assigned by individual judges.
Orders parties to mediation; approves or denies requests for mediation. Conducts impasse review hearings and approves payments and reimbursements from the agency contractors. Communicates with outside agency contractors about requirements and changes and holds meeting with contractors on a periodic basis to assess ongoing success or necessity of changes to the program.
Interacts with attorneys in litigation and settlements.
Conducts initial appearances in zoning forfeiture cases.
Directs Court Commissioner Assistant’s work. Establishes standard office policies and procedures. Approves time off.
Attends meetings with Judges to coordinate court improvements; participates in ongoing judicial educational seminars; coordinates services with mediators and county contracted agencies.
Performs other related functions as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to apply legal principles to determinations on individual cases and problems.
Ability to apply principles of negotiation within the context of legal guidelines.
Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with supervisor, Judges, Clerk of Courts, attorneys, criminal defendants, civil and family litigants, the news media, and the public.
Ability to apply principles of logical or conceptual thinking and the ability to exercise judgment and make decisions to serve as guides and general directives for an entire organization.
Skill to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in critical and/or unexpected situations.
Knowledge of the general workings and functions of criminal, civil, traffic, juvenile, and family court.
Ability to manage a courtroom and maintain a dignified, respectful environment.
Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate with five (5) years of legal experience in courtroom procedures and litigation or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Requires Wisconsin State Bar License and possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
Compensation:
Starting annual salary: $90,563.20
Also provided is our comprehensive employee benefits package:
https://www.marathoncounty.gov/about-us/careers/employee-benefits-311
Deadline Note: