Commissioner

The Tulare County Superior Court is a unified trial court serving the County of Tulare. The court hears all matters in criminal traffic civil probate juvenile family and mental health cases. There were 73439 new cases filed in fiscal year 2023-24. The court also operates a number of collaborative courts including drug court mental health court recovery court and veterans court. The court with an approximate annual budget of $47.3 million employs over 250 non-judicial staff in 5 locations. There are currently 25 judicial positions authorized: 22 judges and 3 subordinate Judicial Officers (SJOs).

The Tulare County Superior Court is committed to innovation modernization and public service. We actively manage our technology infrastructure to provide efficient accessible and reliable services to the public judicial officers and court staff. Our expanded remote capabilities include fully implemented virtual courtrooms and a virtual public counter ensuring that access to justice extends beyond the courthouse walls. We have significantly enhanced our online services to better support court users and justice partners. These advancements include electronic case filing (eFiling) and digital evidence submission for lawyers and patrons alike. Our bench officers enjoy electronic case files and the ability to process warrants digitally streamlining coordination with law enforcement agencies. To support daily operations both bench officers and staff have access to responsive on-demand technical support ensuring continuity and efficiency throughout the court. With an eye to the future the court is committed to implementing technology that adds efficiencies for not only the court but for our constituents as well.

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Centrally located within the State of California Tulare County is situated in a delightful and geographically - diverse region. The county includes an area of 4839 square miles. Mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada range rise to more than 14000 feet in its Eastern half. Meanwhile the extensively cultivated and very fertile valley floor in the western half has allowed Tulare County to become the second-leading producer of agricultural commodities in the United States. In addition to substantial packing / shipping operations light and medium manufacturing plants are increasing in number and are becoming an important factor in the countys total economic picture.

The county has a growing population of483546. The eastern half of the county is comprised primarily of public lands within the Sequoia National Park National Forest and the Mineral King Golden Trout and Domelands Wilderness areas. Opportunities for all-season outdoor recreation include hiking water and snow skiing fishing and boating.

Visalia the county seat is the gateway to Sequoia National Park and a variety of recreational activities. The city with a population of 146271 is within a four-hour drive of either San Francisco or Los Angeles and a 2-1/2 hour drive of Californias central coastline. Its family-oriented lifestyle and affordable housing have proven attractive to people from all areas of the state and country.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Court Commissioner presides over proceedings in one or more of the following: civil and small claim actions criminal and traffic arraignments; hearings and trials of infractions misdemeanors and felonies; probate family law and juvenile court. They must maintain current knowledge of the California Civil Code Penal Code Evidence Code Rules of Court Code of Civil Procedures Family Law Code and Welfare and Institutions Code case law federal state and local laws rules and regulations as they apply to the duties assigned as well as performing all the duties and responsibilities as set forth in CCP 259; hear report on and determine all contested actions and proceedings subject to the requirement of CCP 259(e). The Court Commissioner will arraign defendants; grant continuances; hears review and rules on a variety of petitions motions and make other actions; take evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; make or recommends appropriate court orders; accepts pleas and imposes sentences; sets cases for hearing and trial conducts court and jury trials. Additionally they will review court files documents orders and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings preparing court documents records reports correspondence and other written materials pertaining to case findings. Will act as a temporary judge in court cases pursuant to the stipulation of counsel or parties conducts a daily court calendar presiding over hearings and trials and ruling findings judgment and orders in a fair and ethical manner.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate has demonstrated knowledge of the California State Judicial System and California Rules of Court and codes such as but not limited to; Vehicle Penal Evidence Family Law Welfare and Institutions Civil Code of Civil Procedure and Code of Judicial Conduct. Additionally they should be familiar with trial and hearing procedures courtroom procedures and protocol legal principles and precedent as applied to judicial procedures. They should be well versed in the interpretations and application of Federal State and local laws rules and regulations and well as legal research techniques including the use of electronic legal reference works and community resources related the California Judicial System.

The model candidate should have the ability to read understand and interpret a variety of laws rules and regulations while exercising appropriate and ethical judicial temperament and demeanor in the treatment of other judicial officers litigants support staff attorneys and other governmental agencies. In addition the candidate should be able to objectively analyze interpret and apply legal principles facts evidence and a variety of information and relate it to the law and precedent to reach sound and just decisions while conducting the courtroom in a fair courteous decisive orderly timely equitable and efficient manner as to promote respect for the judicial process.

The ideal candidate should be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or the California State Bars Committee of Bar Examiners and a minimum of five years of the active practice of law with substantial experience in either civil criminal family juvenile or probate law. Significant trial or law and motion experience is preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This full-time position is compensated at $208017 annually.

RETIREMENT

INSURANCE PLANS

A medical PPO plan dental and vision coverage are available. Dependent coverage is also available. Life insurance coverage of $10000 is provided. All positions are eligible for long-term and/or state disability insurance. Additional supplemental life and long-term disability insurance may be purchased by the employee.

OTHER BENEFITS

Employee Assistance Program Employee Recognition Program IRS Section 125 Program (provides tax savings for insurance costs dependent care costs and unreimbursed medical expenses).

LEAVE

The court provides vacation accruals and sick leave based on years of service.

There are fourteen (14) paid holidays annually plus two (2) floating holidays.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

Optional deferred compensation 457.

SELECTION PROCESS

Interested candidates are asked to complete an application and submit their resume along with 3-5 reference letters by July 11 2025.

Following an administrative review of each application the Court will invite onlythose candidates it deems may best meet the needs of the Court to an oral interview.

A background check will be required and may include but not limited to work experience driving record criminal record involvement in civil or other litigation and financial/credit information.

For additional information or questions please contact:

Martha Gaines

Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Department

221 S. Mooney Blvd. Room 104

Visalia CA 93291

Telephone: ext. 1292

Email:

An Equal Opportunity Employer