Summary
King County Superior Court is seeking qualified applicants for a Family Law Court Commissioner position. The Court is one of the nation's largest trial courts, serving the country's 12th most populous county. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, King County Superior Court is nationally recognized for innovation.
Family Law Commissioners' duties, in accordance with RCW 2.24.040, RCW 7.105, .580, RCW 26.12.060, RCW 28A.225.095, and RCW 13.04.021, include, but are not limited to, presiding over matters pertaining to Family and/or Juvenile Law and Civil Commitments. Family Law Commissioners hear matters involving self-represented persons as well as persons who are represented; and perform other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge.
This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. This position is at-will and serves at the pleasure of the court.
Who May Apply: This position is open to attorneys licensed to practice in Washington State. Applications may be placed on an eligibility list for future recruitments.
Work Schedule: The hours of work may vary but are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at one of the King County Superior Court facilities, with additional reading required outside of regular court hours.
Work Location: This position may serve in any of the King County Superior Court facilities: King County Courthouse - 516 3rd Ave, Seattle WA 98104; Patricia Clark Children and Family Justice Center – 1211 E. Alder, Seattle, WA 98122; Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Ave. N., Kent, WA 98032.
Additional Materials Required: Please include a resume and cover letter describing how you meet or exceed the requirements for this position. The following additional documents are required:
- 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, under "Commissioner Applicants."
https://kingcounty.gov/en/court/superior-court/about-superior-court/job-opportunities
These materials are supplemental to your application. You must still completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you include relevant information only on the resume or cover letter, or if you reference "see resume" on your application.
Please note that you can attach multiple documents to your application. You may:
1) Copy and paste one or more documents into the text resume section of your application, OR
2) Attach multiple documents/files in the attachment section of your application.
Job Duties
Family Law Commissioners hear family law matters, including but not limited to the following issues:
- Temporary orders, including parenting plans, support, property distribution, and additional issues.
- Adequate cause for modification of parenting plans
- Determination of parentage
- Child custody
- Restraining orders
- Civil Protection Orders
- Contempt and enforcement
- Dissolutions of marriage
- Legal separations
- Other matters as assigned by the Presiding Judge
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Required Experience, Qualifications, and Knowledge:
Applicants must meet the U.S. citizenship 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 and Microsoft Office programs.
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, and equitable manner, communicate orally and in writing in a concise and effective manner, exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm and rational manner, is required. The ability to effectively manage a high-volume court calendar, including the requisite reading and preparation, is required. The ability to proficiently use court-based technology programs, including KC Script and SCOMIS, is required.
Family Law Commissioner: 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; one year or more of experience in the area of Civil Protection Orders under RCW 7.105 (26.50); or experience deemed as equivalent. Familiarity with King County Family Law rules and practice is required.
Supplemental Information
Special requirements: The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required, including to the King County Courthouse - 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, and the Maleng Regional Justice Center - 401 4th Avenue N., Kent, WA 98032 on occasion. Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check. Criminal background records are not automatically disqualifying.
King County Superior Court is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.
Selection process: Application materials will be screened for qualifications and offers will be made to the most competitive candidates.
Union membership: This position is at-will and is not represented by a union.
If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at (206) 477-1536.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/4416466/family-law-court-commissioner
