Circuit Court and Family Court Commissioner
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position performs judicial work as a Court Commissioner pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 757.68 and exercises the powers and duties under Wis. Stat. § 757.69 and other applicable statutes. The Circuit Court Commissioner and Family Court Commissioner perform judicial functions under statutory authority and as delegated by the Chief Judge of the Judicial Administrative District and the Circuit Court Judges of St. Croix County. Case types and specific duties shall be assigned by the Chief Judge and may include criminal, civil, small claims, family, juvenile, probate, traffic, injunction, and other matters permitted by law. This is an appointed position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned consistent with statutory authority.
General Judicial Authority and Functions
• Exercises statutory powers of a circuit court commissioner under Wis. Stat. § 757.69.
• Conducts hearings and court proceedings as authorized.
• Administers oaths and takes testimony.
• Receives evidence, evaluates credibility, and rules as authorized.
• Makes findings of fact and conclusions of law when required.
• Issues written and oral decisions, orders, and judgments consistent with Wisconsin law.
• Maintains impartiality, judicial decorum, and appropriate courtroom control.
• Ensures accurate documentation and entry of court actions into the court case management system.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment in all proceedings and interactions.
• Consults as needed with the presiding Circuit Judge(s) on procedural and case-related matters.
• Legal research and writing.
Case Types and Unique Responsibilities
The Court Commissioner performs duties in the following case areas as assigned by the Chief Judge and consistent with statutory authority.
Criminal Court
• Conducts initial appearances of persons arrested or charged with crimes.
• Sets bail and bond conditions.
• Schedules hearings and sets conditions of release.
• Conducts preliminary hearings and arraignments.
• Holds restitution hearings and makes findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Civil Court
• Conducts scheduling conferences and issues scheduling orders.
• Conducts motion hearings and evidentiary hearings.
• Issues temporary restraining orders and injunction-related proceedings.
Small Claims Court
• Conducts initial return appearances.
• Refers cases to mediation.
• Conducts trials and hearings.
• Conducts eviction, replevin, and garnishment hearings.
Family Court
• Conducts hearings in divorce, legal separation, annulment, paternity, maintenance, child support, custody, physical placement, visitation, and attorney fee matters.
• Presides over temporary order hearings.
• Refers cases to mediation and orders custody studies where appropriate.
• Oversees post-judgment motions, including modification and enforcement actions.
• Conducts contempt proceedings related to non-compliance with court orders.
• Reviews and approves stipulations, findings of fact, conclusions of law, and judgments.
• Issues wage assignments to enforce support orders as permitted by law.
• Appoints and oversees Guardians ad Litem as authorized.
• Reviews child support enforcement matters.
• Adheres to Wisconsin State Statutes, with thorough knowledge of Chapter 767, to perform statutory duties of Family Court Commissioner.
• Performs state-mandated duties of the Director of Family Court Counseling Services.
Juvenile Court
• Conducts detention and shelter care hearings.
• Conducts preliminary appearances.
• Enters consent decrees.
• Conducts plea hearings.
• Conducts permanency reviews.
• Conducts emergency placement hearings.
Probate Court
• Hears petitions for mental health, alcohol, and drug dependency commitments.
• Conducts probable cause hearings.
• Conducts hearings related to guardianships and protective placements.
• Conducts uncontested probate proceedings.
Traffic and Ordinance Court
• Conducts initial appearances in traffic and county ordinance cases.
• Receives uncontested pleas
• Orders revocation or suspension of operating privileges.
• Imposes fines and forfeitures as authorized.
Injunctions
• Conducts hearings on petitions for temporary restraining orders and injunctions related to domestic abuse and harassment as authorized.
Administrative and Supervisory Duties
• Participates in hiring, training, and evaluating assigned personnel.
• Provides leadership and supervision to assigned staff.
• Coordinates operational matters within the Court Commissioner office.
• Assists in drafting local rules, orders, standard forms, and procedural documents as needed.
• Participates in judicial committees, task forces, and collaborative initiatives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.
• Five (5) years’ experience serving as a licensed attorney with litigation experience.
• Eligible for appointment as a circuit court commissioner under Wis. Stat. § 757.68.
Expected Pay Range: $112,590 – $127,358/year
Full Pay Range: $112,590 – $159,058/year
Department: Judicial Department
FTE: 1.0
St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual’s race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Deadline Note: