Court Commissioner (20652954)

The Superior Court of California, San Mateo County is seeking highly qualified individuals for the position of Court Commissioner. 

The appointment to this position shall be by the judges of the superior court and shall be under the general direction of the presiding judge.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, candidates must have been admitted to practice law in California for at least 10 years or, on a finding of good cause by the presiding judge, for at least 5 years.

The commissioner’s duties include the subordinate judicial duties set forth in Code of Civil Procedures 259, which include but are not limited to conducting judicial hearings in a broad range of civil proceedings which may include family law, making findings of facts in traffic, small claims, and criminal proceedings, and performing other subordinate judicial activities as may be conferred by law or by order of the court.

There are currently two vacancies for Court Commissioners.  One position is a regular position and the second is a limited term position.  Limited term positions are full-time, temporary assignments not to exceed three years. Limited term employees receive medical and dental benefits, like regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experience as a hearing officer, judge pro-tem, or mediator.
• Knowledge of trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of court calendars.
• Demonstrated ability to present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Ability to manage a courtroom in a fair, courteous, and efficient manner to promote respect for the judicial process.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with judicial officers, attorneys, court staff, and various governmental agencies.
• Experience working effectively with the public, especially in stressful situations.
• Ability to work efficiently and with flexibility.
• Experience working in and with the citizenry of San Mateo County.

For more information about the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo, please visit https://www.sanmateocourt.org.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

• Recruitment Opens: August 15, 2025
• Recruitment Closes: August 29, 2025
• Application Screening: September 2-5, 2025
• Panel Interviews: September 11-12, 2025
• Finalist Interviews: October 3, 2025

TO APPLY

To apply for these exciting career opportunities, the following materials must be submitted electronically at https://jobs.smcgov.org:

• Resume
• Cover Letter that includes:
  • You name
  • California State Bar number
  • Date of Admission to the State Bar
  • Law School, Degree Awarded, Date
  • The position(s) in which you are interested – regular, limited term, or both
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

1. Describe your experience working as an attorney during the past five years, including specific areas of the law, trials, and other significant legal practice experience. Cite any relevant cases related thereto. If practicable, please provide a name and telephone number of any person(s) who can be a reference for you regarding your trial/courtroom work.

2. Describe your community or civic service experience. Include the names of the organizations, the services provided, the time periods, and, if practicable, the names and telephone numbers of any persons who can provide a reference regarding your service.

3. Describe, if applicable, any previous Judge Pro Tem service. Please specify the court, specialty area, and period of the service.

4. List the names and telephone numbers of three professional references who are not a sitting judge, commissioner, or staff in this court.

5. Describe any commendations or disciplines issued by the California or other State Bar. Please include the year of the action.

6. Provide a sample of your professional legal writing.

SELECTION PROCESS

The court hiring committee will screen application packets and extend an interview invitation to only the most highly qualified candidates, as determined by the committee.  Panel interviews will be conducted on September 11 and 12, 2025.  Finalist interviews will be conducted on September 19, 2025.  Interviews will be conducted in San Mateo County.

For questions about these positions or the selection process, please contact Chet Overstreet at 650-363-4385 or coverstreet@smcgov.org.