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Circuit Court Commissioner

Kenosha County
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CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONER

(FAMILY COURT)

 

Kenosha County Circuit Court is looking for a Circuit Court Commissioner in Family Court to ensure the efficient and orderly administration of justice in the areas of law over which they preside.

 

The Family Court Commissioner will provide family court services as outlined in Chapter 767 of the Wisconsin Statutes. This position presides at preliminary hearings in all family proceedings and enters orders for support, maintenance, custody of children, placement schedules, attorney fees, and the use of property; orders parties to mediation when requested or needed; expedites the appointment of a guardian ad litem for unborn or minor children when necessary; conducts post-judgment contempt hearings, motions to amend order of judgment, reviews petitions for temporary restraining orders and conducts injunction hearings; additional duties will be to preside at hearings on criminal matters including felony, misdemeanor and criminal traffic case; determines  bail to the same extent as a judge; conduct hearings on, juvenile and mental commitments; issue summonses, arrest and search warrants in criminal matters; act in concert with the Circuit Court Judges, Clerk of Court, the Juvenile Court and the Register in Probate in the management of those actions as they affect the Circuit Courts. This position is appointed by, and is accountable to, and serves at the pleasure of the Circuit Court Judges. 

 

Join our team and help make a difference in Kenosha County!

 

Kenosha County is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and is an

Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

2024 Hiring Range:  $102,508 - $122,034 annually

 

Position Summary and Job Duties

  • Preside over court hearings and make decisions to ensure a just result
  • Review Family Court filings, preside over assigned hearings, and enter subsequent orders, up to and including final judgment
  • Order parties to mediation
  • Order the appointment of guardian ad litem as needed
  • Conduct evidentiary hearings and review evidence in regard to family, criminal, and civil cases to determine legal decision
  • Direct cases to the proper court for trial purposes
  • Review petitions for temporary restraining orders, preside over injunction and firearms surrender hearings and enter necessary orders
  • Review Circuit Court filings and record in electronic format
  • Render oral decisions and prepare written decisions as needed
  • Review and approve invoices for payment of services for mediation and guardian ad litem and apportion repayment of fees by the parties to the Circuit Court
  • On-call schedule, including weekends and overnight, to review statements of law enforcement for probable cause determination of arrested individuals (Riverside Reviews), to review search warrants sought by law enforcement, and to answer on-call phone for issuance of blood draw warrants. On-call schedule for each duty will vary.
  • Conduct hearings associated with any diversion or supplemental court programs as directed by the Board of Judges
  • Perform research on legal issues and provide opinions as directed by the Circuit Court judges
  • Perform administrative duties regarding documentation for federal reimbursement and litigant payment of GAL, mediation, out-of-home placement, and court-appointed attorney fees
  • Respond as necessary to litigant inquiry
  • Review small claims and criminal filings and preside over assigned hearings
  • Conduct initial appearances and, if required, preliminary hearings in criminal traffic and forfeiture matters
  • Determine and assign appropriate bond amounts and provisions of release in criminal proceedings. 
  • In non-contested traffic and ordinance cases, receive pleas, enter judgment, order revocation and/or suspension of operating privileges, impose monetary penalties according to adopted schedules
  • Issue subpoenas to compel attendance of witnesses
  • Issue warrants and capiases for non-appearing litigants
  • As Juvenile Court Commissioner, issues summonses and warrants, order release or detention of children apprehended, conduct detention and shelter care hearings, conduct preliminary appearances, pre-trials and enter consent decrees. 
  • Issue petitions for commitment and conduct probably cause hearing, where witnesses are required to testify under Sec. 51.20 and 51.45, mental and alcohol commitments
  • Appoint advocate counsel or guardians ad litem as needed
  • Review indigency forms submitted by litigants. 
  • Refer criminal defendants to the State Public Defender’s office
  • Perform other duties as the Chief Judge or County Board will designate or direct
  • Perform weddings on a scheduled basis
  • Participate in committee work of the court at the discretion of the judges
  • Perform other work as required or assigned

 

Success Factors

  • Knowledge of the legal areas of Family, Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, Paternity, Contempt, Procedures, and Evidence and the surrounding issues
  • Familiarity with Wisconsin State Statutes 757.69 and 757.68, and Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Chapters 60 and 75. 
  • Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence. 
  • Computer literacy, including electronic file maintenance
  • Organizational and case management skills
  • Skill in listening and written communication
  • Knowledge of current court issues
  • Ability to learn and utilize 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 refer settlements and agreements to the appropriate Circuit Court Judge
  • Ability to preside over any type of hearing allowed by statute
  • Ability to research current legal issues and provide written opinion to the judiciary
  • Ability to organize the case load to maximize efficient handling of court docket, filing, and associated documents
  • Ability to summarize and provide legal opinions
  • Ability to be on call after hours
  • Ability to make legal decisions that have significant impact on individuals’ lives
  • Ability to work collaboratively with partnering agencies
  • Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times
  • Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment

 

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience

  • Law degree from an accredited law school
  • 5+ years legal experience in Family law, Criminal, Juvenile, Traffic, Civil, and Mental Health law, with preferred experience with Family 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

 

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.

  • This position requires light physical demands, such as exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 10 pounds 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 Circuit Court Office, please visit:  http://www.co.kenosha.wi.us/118/Clerk-of-Courts

 

Applications must be submitted no later than January 2, 2025.

 

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. $102,508 – Max. $141,559)

 

This position is located in Kenosha County, a growing community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago.  To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, visit: https://www.visitkenosha.com/

 

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

 

Kenosha County is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.