Circuit Court Commissioner
CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONER
Kenosha County
Kenosha County Circuit Court is looking for a Circuit Court Commissioner to ensure the efficient and orderly administration of justice in all areas of law over which they preside.
This position offers competitive pay and benefits under the Wisconsin Retirement System. Join our team and help make a difference in Kenosha County!
2026 Hiring Range: $104,558 - $124,475
Position Summary and Job Duties
- Preside on the bench in court hearings and issue orders to ensure a just result.
- Restraining order duties include review of petitions for temporary issuance and presiding at hearings for injunctions and firearms surrender hearings.
- Review and sign numerous documents including orders to show cause and motions in family court, paternity court, and child support enforcement hearings.
- Review marital settlement agreements and divorce findings of fact, conclusions of law, and judgements in final divorce hearings.
- Conduct evidentiary hearings for family, criminal and civil cases.
- Appropriately assign bond amounts in criminal proceedings.
- On call on weekends and after hours on a scheduled basis to review statements of law enforcement officers who have arrested people for probable cause (Riverside Reviews conducted on weekends at the Kenosha County Safety Building), to review search warrants during outside of regular business hours when warrants are sought by law enforcement (may occur on unscheduled on-call times), and to handle requests made by law enforcement for warrants to draw blood when an individual is arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence. Review the affidavits for the warrant and sign it. On call schedule for each reason will vary.
- Work with Circuit Court judges and other commissioners and preside over hearings and dockets as needed.
- Perform research on legal issues and provide opinions as directed by the Circuit Court judges, or as required in the performance of rendering decisions.
- Hear evidentiary hearings including but not limited to restitution hearings, and review evidence prior to arriving at a decision.
- Perform administrative duties regarding reimbursement from the federal government in child support cases, payment of GAL fees, mediation fees, out of home placements, and court appointed attorney fees.
- Administer the Court sponsored mediation service in Small Claims Court if necessary.
- Administer Family Court Commissioner duties on an interim basis if necessary.
- Participate in committee work of the Court at the direction of the judges.
- Perform other work as required or assigned.
Success Factors
- Knowledge of Criminal, Juvenile, Family, Paternity, Contempt, Procedural, Evidence, Small Claims, and Civil Law and any other area of law that the courts deal with.
- Knowledge of current Court issues.
- Skill in computer literacy.
- Organizational skills.
- Skill in listening, oral and written communication.
- Ability to learn, utilize and become proficient with computer database programs specific to the court system.
- Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts and evidence to provide due process of law and a just outcome.
- Ability to sit in any of the separate Commissioner’s hearings.
- Ability to research current legal issues and provide written opinion to the judiciary.
- Ability to organize the case load to provide adequate opportunity to complete all paperwork in a timely fashion.
- Ability to summarize and provide legal opinions.
- Ability to be on call during off duty hours.
- Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times.
- Ability to make decisions with significant impact on individuals’ lives.
Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience
- Law degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice law in Wisconsin, with a minimum of three years experience
- Experience practicing in Criminal, Juvenile, Family, Civil, and/or Administrative law.
Licenses/Certifications
- Admission to practice law in Wisconsin.
Benefits
- Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off
- Twelve Paid Holidays
- Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Pet Insurance
- Paid Volunteer Time
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
Selection Process:
- Application Review - Qualifying.
- Oral Interview - Qualifying.
- Background Check - Qualifying.
- Drug Screen - Qualifying.
If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.
To learn more about the Kenosha County Clerk of Courts, please visit:
http://www.kenoshacounty.org/118/Clerk-of-Courts
Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, June 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (CST).
Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.
The pay grade for this position is E14 (Min. $104,558 – Max. $144,390).
Kenosha County is located less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan.
To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, visit:
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!