Commissioner

Role overview

San Diego Superior Court is looking to build or refresh its pool of qualified Commissioners. The resulting eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill both current openings and future vacancies as they arise.

Commissioners can be assigned to any court location in the San Diego Superior Court system, including Downtown San Diego, Kearny Mesa, North County (Vista), East County (El Cajon), and South County (Chula Vista).

What this role involves

Reporting to the Presiding Judge, the Commissioner carries out subordinate judicial officer duties allowed by law. This includes running hearings, making findings, and issuing orders. Assignments may cover arraignments and dispositions, small claims, family law, child support, juvenile matters, traffic cases, unlawful detainer matters, and any other calendar the Presiding Judge or the court determines is needed.

Work setting and status

This is an at-will position, meaning service continues at the court’s discretion. The role is subject to San Diego Superior Court Personnel Rules, required judicial education for the assigned duties, and all applicable ethical standards, including rules on practicing law and conflicts of interest.

Desired background

The court is seeking someone with deep familiarity with the California court system, state and local court rules, evidentiary principles, case law, trial procedure, judicial ethics, courtroom administration, access to justice, and procedural fairness.

The ideal candidate should be able to examine legal issues objectively, assess arguments and evidence, draw sound conclusions, manage time-sensitive matters, maintain the right judicial tone, keep courtroom proceedings orderly and fair, handle busy calendars with patience and neutrality, issue clear oral rulings and accurate written orders, and use legal research, calculation, and word-processing tools effectively. Strong written and verbal communication and the ability to work well with judges, attorneys, and court and county staff are also important.

Application process

Applicants must complete the court’s online application. A job seeker account in the NEOGOV system is required for new users.

Required materials for the online application include:

• A list of references with addresses and contact details entered in the References section
• A resume uploaded as a Word or PDF file
• A copy of a current California State Bar card showing Active status uploaded as a JPEG or PDF file

Deadline and selection

Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Selection will be based on the information provided in the online application and attachments. Only candidates whose qualifications align best with the court’s needs will be invited to interview, and being placed on the eligible list does not guarantee an interview.

Important notes

Selected candidates will be required to complete a background check before appointment. Commissioners are not permitted to maintain a private practice.

The information in this job posting is not a contract, either explicit or implied, and the court may change or withdraw any of its provisions at any time. The stated qualifications are the minimum needed to apply, and meeting them does not ensure selection.