Commissioner

Job Summary

The San Diego Superior Court seeks qualified candidates for the position of Commissioner. The eligible list resulting from this recruitment will replace the existing list and may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Commissioners may be assigned to work at any of the San Diego Superior Court locations: Downtown San Diego; Kearny Mesa; North County (Vista); East County (El Cajon); and South County (Chula Vista).

Responsibilities

Under general direction of the Presiding Judge, a Commissioner performs subordinate judicial officer functions authorized by law, including:

• Conducting hearings
• Making findings and issuing orders
• Handling cases such as arraignments and dispositions, small claims, family law, child support, juvenile law, traffic, and unlawful detainer matters
• Other assignments as determined by the Presiding Judge and the needs of the court

Requirements

The ideal candidate should possess the following:

• Thorough knowledge of the California court system, state and local rules of court, legal principles, case precedents, rules of evidence, trial procedures, judicial ethics, courtroom management, access to justice principles, and procedural fairness.
• Ability to objectively analyze and interpret legal issues and arguments, weigh evidence, draw inferences, and reach logical and legal conclusions.
• Work under various time constraints and exacting professional standards.
• Exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor.
• Direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, and equitable manner.
• Manage high-volume calendars while maintaining patience, neutrality, and procedural fairness.
• Make clear oral rulings and accurate written orders.
• Use relevant computer programs, including legal research, support calculation, and word processing software.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, and other court and county staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current active member in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Admitted to practice law in California for at least ten (10) years

How to Apply

Qualified individuals must submit an online San Diego Superior Court application. Visit the court's website at www.sdcourt.ca.gov. Click on "Employment" and then the position of interest. Click "Apply" and follow the instructions to upload required documents.

• List of references (including addresses and contact information)
• Resumé, attached as a Word or PDF file
• Cop of your current California State Bar card indicating "Active" status, attached as a JPEG or PDF file

Filing Deadline

Online applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Paper application forms will not be accepted for this recruitment.

Evaluation and Selection

Qualified candidates will be placed on the Commissioner eligible list based on an evaluation of information contained in the online application (including any attachments). Only candidates whose qualifications best meet the needs of the court will be invited to participate in selection interviews.

Placement on the eligible list does NOT guarantee that all candidates will be invited for an interview.

Note

Selectees are subject to a background check prior to appointment to a position. Commissioners may not engage in private practice.