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About the Position

Under the direction of the Judicial Officers of the Court and at the direction of the Presiding Judge, this at-will professional level position performs various judicial and quasi-judicial functions as prescribed by law California Rules of Court, Rule 10.700 et seq or conferred by the Court, making dispositions on cases.  The Court Referee has the same jurisdiction and exercises the same powers and duties as the judges of the Court with respect to infractions and small claims.  The candidate holds office at the pleasure of the Court appointing him or her to the position. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This professional level classification performs quasi judicial functions for the courts and with direction from the presiding judge, interprets, enforces and carries out laws including issuing judgments and orders, and acts as a temporary judge and presides over cases as needed and by stipulation of the parties. 

The Court Referee hears, evaluates and makes decisions on infraction offenses, small claims and other judicial proceedings, including the imposition of fines, sentences and the settlement of issues.  The percentage of time dedicated to these responsibilities is approximately 80%(Infractions) / 20% (Small Claims). 

 

Examples of Essential Duties

 

 1.   Presides over proceedings involving such matters as traffic arraignments, hearings and trials of infractions and small claims.  Receives citations from law enforcement agencies and may cite offenders to appear for a hearing.  Accepts pleas, grants continuances and sets cases for trial.  Issues and signs bench warrants as authorized for failure to appear or for violation of any other court order.  Imposes penalties such as fines and suspension of driver's license as allowed by State law.

 2.   Reviews court files, documents and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings; prepares court documents, records, reports, correspondence and other written materials pertaining to case findings.

3.   Acts as a Temporary Judge in Court cases pursuant to stipulation of counsel or parties in small claims  matters.  Conducts a daily court calendar, presides over hearings and trials, and makes rulings, findings, judgments and orders.

4.   Tracks and maintains timekeeping records for various responsibilities in order to ensure the Court accurately reports funds used for the various case types.

5.   Performs other related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge. 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Active member in good standing with the California State Bar and; 

Has been admitted to practice law in California for at least 10 years or, on a finding of good cause by the presiding judge, for at least 5 years. 

A valid CA driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability under the Court’s vehicle insurance policy.

 KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Principles and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California including civil and criminal law.
  • Trial procedure and rules of evidence.
  • Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
  • Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research and writing.
  • Laws such as County ordinances, State and federal statutes, State and federal constitutions and rules of court.
  • Technical aspects of field of specialty.
  • Record-keeping techniques.
  • Public speaking techniques.
  • Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
  • Research methods and report writing techniques.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Appropriate judicial demeanor and temperament. 

ABILITY TO:

  • Research legal issues, complaints, pleadings and points and authorities.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Present statements of facts and law and argue clearly and logically on behalf of the court.
  • Prepare and deliver oral presentations.
  • Work cooperatively with others.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
  • Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions.
  • Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
  • Meet schedules and time lines.
  • Plan and organize work.
  • Manage busy calendars efficiently.

Physical and Mental Demands; Work Environment

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk or hear, and occasionally to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, incumbents are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills, read and understand information and documents, analyze and solve basic problems, observe and interpret situations, learn and apply new information or new skills, work under deadlines, and interact with Court staff, other organizations and the public, some of whom may be dissatisfied or upset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.