Court Commissioner

Ozaukee County • Full-time • Port Washington, WI, US • $60 - $77 / hour • 3w ago

Full time- Exempt Position. Pay Range: $60.84- 77.74
Job Summary
The Court Commissioner is an experienced attorney who is a sworn judicial officer presiding over a high-volume court, hearing and deciding cases in the areas of family law, criminal law, traffic, small claims, probate, guardianship, juvenile and mental commitment cases, among other duties assigned by the Presiding Judge.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully with or without reasonable accommodations to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

70% Presides over Hearings involving Family Law:
On a regular and ongoing basis, performs the duties described in Wis. Stat. 757.69(1)(p), which is attached.

15% Presides over Hearings involving Small Claims:
In addition to the duties outlined Wis. Stat. 757.69(1)(d) (attached), on a regular and ongoing basis, presides over all initial hearings, conducts pre-trial conferences, decides motions, and hears the trials of all small claims cases filed in the county.

5% Presides over Traffic Court:
Performs the duties outlined in Wis. Stat. 757.69(1)(c), which is attached. Additionally, reviews and approves or rejects all plea agreements entered into by the parties prior to trial. Ozaukee County is the prosecuting party in many traffic cases. Ozaukee County is occasionally the defendant in cases brought by the State of Wisconsin.

2.5% Preside over Probate and Guardianship matters:
Performs the duties described in Wis. Stat. 757.69(1)(e) and (h), which is attached. Works regularly with the Deputy Register in Probate to monitor open cases and ensure compliance with statutory deadlines. Reviews, annually, every case in Ozaukee County involving protective placement (cases where an individual is being held against their will due to incurable mental illness or disorder) and determines whether they should continue to be held, or if a hearing should be set to determine whether they should continue to be held.

2.5% Preside over Emergency Mental Health cases:
Perform the duties outlined in Wis. Stat. 757.69(1)(h), which is attached.

<1% Other:
Preside over Criminal Court matters: Sets bail on defendants being held, advises defendants of their rights at initial hearings, reviews search warrant applications, and holds hearings to set amounts of restitution due to victims of criminal acts.

Director, Family Court Services: Coordinates the hiring and supervision of contract mediators and, in the past when necessary, coordinates the undertaking of legal custody and physical placement studies under Wis. Stat. 767.405(14).

Mental Health Review Officer: Please see attached Wis. Stat. 51.14.

Permanent Member, Court Security and Facilities Committee: Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 68.05(1)(h), the Committee promotes communication among circuit courts, county officials, court planners, architects and contractors concerning court facilities issues, recognizes the constitutionally
appropriate participation of the supreme court and circuit courts in addressing their facilities and staffing needs and priorities within the constraints established by funding limitations and budget priorities.

<5% Other Duties Assigned by Presiding Judge :
Monitors and appoints Guardians ad Litem to represent the best interests of litigants in certain types of cases, principally family and guardianship matters, performs other duties as outlined by Wis. Stat. 757.675(2) and 757.69 (attached) not otherwise discussed above such as presides over weddings during business hours, conducts hearings on the financial status of debtors, hears matters related to juveniles, and provides support to the Circuit Court Judges in all ways requested. Handles emergency situations that arise when the Circuit Court Judges are unavailable.

Supervision Exercised

Supervise the work of Mediators and Guardians ad Litem (independent contractors).

Minimum Education Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements :

Juris Doctor Degree required.
Licensed to practice law for at least five years and in good standing.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.
Continuing education and training as required by State of WI and Ozaukee County

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications
In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

Thorough knowledge of legal proceedings under the jurisdiction of circuit courts.
Comprehensive knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Comprehensive knowledge of the practices and techniques used in the presentation of cases in court.
Ability to analyze and interpret legal documents and instruments.
Ability to appraise and organize facts, and to apply legal principles based upon a review and evaluation of the facts presented.
Ability to negotiate and resolve disputes in a variety of situations.
Ability to effectively present materials in written and oral formats.
Ability to tactfully and effectively deal with attorneys, the public, and representatives of other government agencies.
Ability to deal effectively with people who are under a great emotional and economic stress on a daily basis.
Ability to utilize word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, electronic mail programs and access the Internet for information.

In evaluating candidates for this position, ORGANIZATION NAME may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Physical Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time.
Periods of standing or walking.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a high-volume, fast-paced, large office settings, as well as a courtroom setting, with frequent stressful situations.

EOE / ADA Statement

Ozaukee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ozaukee County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Signatures:

Employee: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Department Head: ____________________________________ Date: ___________________