Commissioner

Salary : $208,017.94 Annually
Location : San Luis Obispo County, CA
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 10/2026
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition/Distinguishing Characteristics
DEFINITION

Under general direction of the Judge(s) of the Court, this professional level position performs various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the Court. The power and authority of Court Commissioners is specified by statute. Commissioners have the same jurisdiction and exercise the same powers and duties as the Judges of the Courts with respect to infractions and small claims actions, and in other matters pursuant to stipulation of the parties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This professional level class performs judicial functions for the Court, assisting the Court in disposing of business connected with the administration of justice, including acting as a temporary Judge in certain types of cases. It is distinguished from the position of Judge in that it is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Judges and acts only as a temporary Judge, presiding over cases as directed.

Typical Tasks

• acts as a temporary Judge in Court cases
• conducts a daily Court calendar
• presides over hearings and trials
• makes rulings, findings, judgments, and orders
• exercises nearly all of the same powers and duties as a Judge of the Court in assigned cases, with the same jurisdiction
• presides over proceedings in one or more of the following: civil and small claims actions; criminal and traffic arraignments; hearings and trials involving infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies; mental health (including Riese) proceedings; treatment court matters; and juvenile court proceedings
• arraigns defendants
• grants continuances
• hears, reviews, and rules on a variety of petitions, motions, and other actions
• takes evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses
• makes or recommends appropriate Court orders
• accepts pleas and imposes sentences
• sets cases for hearing and trial
• conducts Court trials
• reviews Court files, documents, and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings
• prepares Court documents, records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials pertaining to case findings

Employment Standards
Knowledge of:

• Legal principles and precedents
• Traffic procedures
• Small Claims procedures
• Courtroom procedures
• Habeas Corpus procedures and standards
• Juvenile Law
• Family Law Procedures
• Mental Health Hearings/Treatment Court

Ability to:

• Work independently performing quasi-judicial work
• Interpret, enforce and carry out current State, County, City, and local laws

Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

Knowledge of legal principles and precedents as applied to judicial procedures is required AND active membership in the State Bar of California, admitted to practice for a period of at least five years with experience in Civil, Criminal, Family, Juvenile, Probate, and/or law and motion litigation.

Incumbents must be United States citizens and cannot engage in the active practice of law during employment with the Court in this capacity.
BENEFITS:
Employees hired to a permanent (regular) position are eligible to participate in Court sponsored retirement, health, vision, and dental programs. Other benefits include court sponsored life insurance policy, flexible spending, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement for job related education, wellness fitness reimbursement, and an employee assistance program. Regular employees enjoy thirteen paid holidays per year and accrue vacation and sick leave hours. to view the benefit plan associated with this employment opportunity. Please reference Unit 25.

EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS - JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
All applicants must meet the qualification standards and requirements of the positions as stated on the job announcement. At oral interviews, or as otherwise designated, all documents required for employment must be verified. The Superior Court reserves the right to modify the selection/examination process if it is deemed necessary.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
All applicants must possess the personal qualifications generally recognized as essential to become an outstanding public employee, including integrity, initiative, dependability, courtesy, good judgment and ability to work well with others.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
Employees are prohibited from engaging in activities which may be in conflict with the interest of the Superior Court.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE:
All employees are required to take an oath of allegiance.

FINGERPRINT CLEARANCE:
Applicants who are offered employment must pass a fingerprint background check. Any false statement or omission of material fact may cause forfeiture to employment rights.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The Court does not discriminate against the disabled. Please advise Human Resources if you will require special accommodation to participate in the examination process or to perform the essential functions of the job. Call (805) 706-3650.

EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTATION:
All employees hired after November 6, 1986 must provide proof of work eligibility.
01

SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION FOR COMMISSIONER POSITION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO SUPERIOR COURT.You are expected to respond fully and honestly to all requests and questions. Interpret the questions broadly rather than narrowly, and when in doubt, err on the side of disclosure.
02

Name of applicant:
03

Prior names used by applicant (include the dates each name was used):
04

Describe with specificity the nature of your current employment.
05

If you currently practice law, identify your subject-matter areas of emphasis or specialization, if any, including but not limited to areas of specialization certified by the State Bar of California, and a description of your typical clients.
06

List all Courts in which you are presently admitted to practice, including the date of admission for each Court. Provide the same information for administrative agencies that have special admission requirements.
07

If you previously applied for a Judicial appointment, specify the year(s) and the position(s) sought.
08

Have you ever been a candidate for Judicial office? If so, identify the date(s) of candidacy, the position(s) you sought, the Court(s) involved, and whether you were elected.
09

Indicate the periods of your military service, if applicable, including the dates, the branch in which you served, your rank or rate, your serial number, and type of discharge.
10

Describe your personal background, character, personality, professional and life experiences, education, training, and/or skills which make you qualified and suitable for a Judicial appointment, and which you believe enrich your ability to serve as a Judge.
11

What role can an attorney or Judge play in making our society a better place? Relate any personal or professional efforts you have made in this regard.
12

Why do you want to be a Judicial Officer? What would you seek to accomplish if appointed?
13

Are you able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, the essential requirements of a Superior Court Judicial Officer? These requirements include, among other things: Attentively receiving, analyzing and concentrating on information for a total of eight or more hours within a work day of reasonable duration; Perceiving a Courtroom clearly reviewing all types of evidence, including exhibits; Reviewing and processing substantial volumes of information, originally presented in written form (i.e., legal briefs, cases, jury instructions, transcripts); Comprehending attorneys and others; Absorbing, analyzing and weighing complex issues quickly and accurately; Responding to situations with discretion, judgment, emotional and mental discipline, and restraint while under pressure.
14

Describe in detail your experience, if any, in the following areas of legal practice: a. Civil Law b. Criminal Law c. Juvenile, Family, or Probate Law d. Corporate and/or Transactional Law e. Litigation (Trial and/or Appellate) f. Administrative g. House or Staff of Counsel h. Legislative i. Other Legal Practice (specify)
15

Within the past five years, approximately what percentage of your legal practice has been devoted to the following: a. Litigation b. Administrative c. Legislation d. Appeared before a Board, Commission, Panel, Legislative Committee, or other body e. Participated in any other Judicial or Quasi-Judicial proceeding
16

For your entire career, state the number of cases you have tried to verdict or judgement in Federal or State Trial Courts.
17

Provide legal citations to all reported cases or decisions identifying you as a counsel of record.
18

If you taught at a college, university or law school, identify the school and the dates that you taught, and describe the nature of your appointment and the course(s) you taught.
19

Are you currently serving as a Judicial Officer or Quasi-Judicial Officer? Identify your judicial or quasi-judicial position: Were you appointed? Yes/No Date of appointment: Were you elected? Yes/No Date of your election:
20

If you have served as a Judicial Officer or Quasi-Judicial Officer, provide the following information: a. The dates you served as a Judicial or Quasi-Judicial Officer. b. Your duties.
21

Describe the nature and extent of your service, if any, as a Judge Pro Tem, arbitrator, mediator, or neutral. Describe the more significant cases and identify the counsel involved, including names, current addresses and phone numbers, and dates of your service.
22

Have you ever held or applied for a commission, certificate, credential or license which required proof of good character, other than admission to practice law? If so, identify the date(s) of application, the issuing authority, the disposition of any such application, and, if granted, your number and present status.
23

Describe your significant legal writing. In addition, if you have written, edited, or published any legal books, articles, letters to the editor or reports, please list them, giving full citations, dates, and a general, description of the subject matter. Please attach a copy of any letters to the editor or op-ed articles you have authored.
24

List any honors, prizes, awards, scholarships, fellowships or other forms of recognition you have received.
25

Are you a member of any club, organization, association, or group that by policy or practice prohibits or limits its membership on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or national origin? Have you ever been? If so, identify the organization and provide details.
26

Describe the nature and extent of your involvement in community activities or community affairs other than those associated with the legal profession.
27

As an attorney or Judicial Officer, have you ever been:a. Disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics or unprofessional conduct by, or been the subject of a complaint to, any court, administrative agency, bar association, disciplinary committee or other professional group?b. Sanctioned in excess of $1,000 by any court or for contempt in any court or tribunal having the power of contempt? If so, give the details, including the relevant dates and the names, current addresses and telephone numbers of the Judges involved and the counsel for the adverse parties. (Identify every complaint even if it was dismissed, did not result in disciplinary action or a finding of contempt).
28

Are there any unsatisfied judgments against you, or are you in default in any way in the performance or discharge of any duty or obligation imposed upon you by decree or order of any court (including any orders for child and spousal support)? If so, state the full details.
29

Has a tax lien or other collection procedure ever been instituted against you by Federal, State or Local authorities? If so, provide the particulars, including the amount at issue, the applicable dates, and the status of the matter.
30

Have you always filed appropriate tax returns as required by federal, state, local and other government agencies? If not, provide an explanation, including the amount at issue, date and resolution.
31

Please list five references (name, current address, and telephone number). Please attach a copy of your resume and a sample or samples of your legal writing (such as an appellate brief, memorandum or points and authorities, advice letter, legal opinion, etc.). The sample(s) should not exceed a total of 50 pages.
32

In the past five years, describe how frequently you have done the following on behalf of a client (approximate time per month, on average):a. Appeared in Federal Trial and/or Appellate Courtb. Appeared in State Trial and/or Appellate Courtc. Appeared before an Administrative Law Judged. Appeared before a Board, Commission, Panel, Legislative Committee, or other bodye. Participated in any other Judicial or Quasi-Judicial proceeding
Required Question