Court Commissioner

About the Role

The Fresno Superior Court has an employment opportunity for the Court Commissioner classification. Court Commissioners perform various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the Court. Commissioners may be assigned to any court location for any assignment or may be assigned night/weekend Emergency Protective Order and related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge.

Responsibilities

• Act as a temporary judge in Superior Court cases pursuant to stipulation of counsel or parties; conduct a daily court calendar; preside over hearings and trials; make rulings, findings, judgments and orders.
• Arraign defendants; grant continuances, hear, review and rule on or determine a variety of petitions, motions or other actions; take evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; make or recommend appropriate court orders; accept pleas and impose sentences; set cases for hearings and trials; and conduct court and jury trials.
• Conduct judicial hearings in family support cases involving Title IV of the Social Security Act, and cases filed by the Department of Child Support Services to establish paternity and other child support-related matters. May act as a judge pro-tem in such matters, or as a commissioner making findings and recommendations for review by a judge of the Superior Court.
• Perform one or more of the functions of a probate commissioner, including review of pleadings and accountings in probate, guardianship, conservatorship and related matters; approving creditors' claims, ex parte orders and other probate actions; and presiding over probate proceedings as assigned.
• Preside over proceedings involving such matters as criminal and traffic arraignments, hearings and trials of infractions, misdemeanors and felonies, including day and evening court sessions as assigned.
• Preside over proceedings in civil and small claims actions.
• Review court files, documents, and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings.
• Prepare court documents, records, reports, correspondence and other written materials pertaining to case findings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge.

Qualifications

• Membership: An active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Experience: Admitted to practice law in California for a period of at least ten (10) years prior to appointment, or in any state and California for a combined period of not less than ten (10) years, unless inactive membership due to previously holding the position of judge, referee, or commissioner.
• License: Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license.
• Other: Citizenship in the United States and residency in California.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of the judicial system, including family, criminal, juvenile, and civil law.
• Ability to objectively analyze and interpret legal issues, principles, arguments, and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, and equitable manner.
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing, in a concise manner.
• Exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations.

Additional Information

The initial submission deadline for applications to be considered is Friday, October 9, 2026. Tentative recruitment activities include initial interviews the week of October 26, 2026, and final selection interviews the week of November 16, 2026. All application materials must be received in NeoGov to be considered for review. Incomplete application packets will not be accepted. A resume will not be considered in lieu of a completed application.

Background investigations will be conducted, and convictions, depending on the type, number, and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.

The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department at (559) 457-2050 or via email at hr@fresno.courts.ca.gov. Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments may also contact Human Resources for this position through the use of the California Relay Service by dialing 711.