Dane County
Circuit Court Commissioner
– Dane County, Madison, WI
The Dane County Clerk of Courts is seeking a full‑time (1.0 FTE) Circuit Court Commissioner. The Commissioner will be assigned to the following judicial areas as needed: Juvenile; Criminal and Traffic; Family; Probate/Mental Health; and Small Claims. The position requires regular hearings in at least two of these areas.
Equity & Inclusion We strive to create a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, and continuous learning is fostered. All applicants must demonstrate multicultural competence. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations—including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities—are especially encouraged to apply.
Examples of Duties Juvenile
Issue summonses
Conduct temporary custody hearings and order a child held or released from custody
Make final dispositions in undisputed cases
Conduct plea hearings, enter into consent decrees, and conduct pre‑hearing conferences
Conduct all proceedings on petitions or citations under Wisconsin Statutes
Perform research, liaison duties with schools, agencies, courts, and service providers as directed by Juvenile Court Judges
Criminal and Traffic
Issue summonses, arrest warrants or search warrants
Conduct initial appearances, set bail, inform defendants of rights per State Statutes
Refer defendants to public defenders for indigency determinations when necessary
Conduct preliminary and traffic hearings, issue non‑contested forfeiture pleas, and impose monetary penalties
Issue warrants and capiases, direct cases to appropriate courts, and perform related duties
Family
Conduct preliminary hearings, enter temporary orders for child support, maintenance, custody, and attorney’s fees
Order custody and/or visitation studies, expeditious guardians ad litem appointments
Conduct final divorce/legal separation hearings, post‑judgment contempt hearings, and status conferences
Assist in settlement of family code proceedings and review waiver requests for filing fees
Enter temporary restraining orders, income assignment, tax intercept, and interstate enforcement hearings
Probate/Mental Health
Examine papers in probate proceedings
Check final accounts, inventories, tax receipts
Certify copies of judgments and other legal papers
Administer mental commitment and guardianship proceedings
Small Claims
Conduct small claims conciliation conferences, hearings, and trials
Examine pleadings, issue decisions or judgments, including default judgments
Approve stipulations and evaluate procedures for recommendation of revisions
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements • Graduation from an accredited law school • Admission to practice law in Wisconsin • Minimum three (3) years as an attorney • Extensive knowledge of all types of hearings handled by court commissioners, and understanding of courtroom practice
Background Check Statement Some positions may require a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. Dane County reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law prohibits discrimination based on arrest or conviction record, but an applicant may be disqualified if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to their criminal history.
For Bilingual Positions
Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong)
Applicants for bilingual positions are tested in the recruitment process (oral and possibly written translation)
Confirmation of bilingual certifications may be required by Employee Relations
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and grasping. Ability to lift and move materials up to 25 lbs. Prolonged computer and phone use; fine and gross motor skills; ability to speak, hear, and see within normal ranges.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of Wisconsin State Statutes, constitutional law, and judicial procedures
Proficient office administration methods
Effective oral and written communication skills
Analytical skills for legal documents
Ability to conduct judicial proceedings, conciliatory conferences, and manage case processing
Use of alternative appearance methods (telephone, video)
Professional judgment authorized by Statutes and Chief Judge
Benefits and Perks
Full‑time dental and HMO health insurance premiums
Contributions to POS health insurance and long‑term disability
Long‑term care, vision coverage, flex spending account, and deferred compensation programs
Bilingual pay: $2.00 per hour for designated positions
Undesirable hours premium: $2.00 for work between 6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. and weekends
Paid parental leave: 12 weeks for birth or adoption
Caregiver leave: 80 hours paid leave for ill family member
Telecommuting available when role is suitable
Student loan forgiveness via Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Wisconsin Retirement System eligibility for hires after 7‑1‑11
Employment Eligibility Dane County participates in E‑Verify. For more information see the Notice of E‑Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.
Application Questions
Have you graduated from an accredited law school?
Do you have admission to practice law in the State of Wisconsin?
Do you have at least three (3) years’ experience as an attorney, extensive knowledge of all types of hearings handled by court commissioners, and an understanding of courtroom practice?
If you answered yes to questions 1‑3, please explain how you meet those requirements.
Did you upload a resume & cover letter?
Describe your qualifications in each area that commissioners preside (family, small claims, juvenile, criminal, and probate), or explain how you would obtain those qualifications.
Describe your courtroom experience; types of cases, nature of hearings, and amount of courtroom time.
Describe any training or experience you have on the judicial perspective of courtroom practice.
What characteristics are important for a court commissioner? What makes you a good commissioner?
Describe any training or experience you have on dealing with disadvantaged, low‑income, or minority communities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
– Dane County, Madison, WI
The Dane County Clerk of Courts is seeking a full‑time (1.0 FTE) Circuit Court Commissioner. The Commissioner will be assigned to the following judicial areas as needed: Juvenile; Criminal and Traffic; Family; Probate/Mental Health; and Small Claims. The position requires regular hearings in at least two of these areas.
Equity & Inclusion We strive to create a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, and continuous learning is fostered. All applicants must demonstrate multicultural competence. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations—including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities—are especially encouraged to apply.
Examples of Duties Juvenile
Issue summonses
Conduct temporary custody hearings and order a child held or released from custody
Make final dispositions in undisputed cases
Conduct plea hearings, enter into consent decrees, and conduct pre‑hearing conferences
Conduct all proceedings on petitions or citations under Wisconsin Statutes
Perform research, liaison duties with schools, agencies, courts, and service providers as directed by Juvenile Court Judges
Criminal and Traffic
Issue summonses, arrest warrants or search warrants
Conduct initial appearances, set bail, inform defendants of rights per State Statutes
Refer defendants to public defenders for indigency determinations when necessary
Conduct preliminary and traffic hearings, issue non‑contested forfeiture pleas, and impose monetary penalties
Issue warrants and capiases, direct cases to appropriate courts, and perform related duties
Family
Conduct preliminary hearings, enter temporary orders for child support, maintenance, custody, and attorney’s fees
Order custody and/or visitation studies, expeditious guardians ad litem appointments
Conduct final divorce/legal separation hearings, post‑judgment contempt hearings, and status conferences
Assist in settlement of family code proceedings and review waiver requests for filing fees
Enter temporary restraining orders, income assignment, tax intercept, and interstate enforcement hearings
Probate/Mental Health
Examine papers in probate proceedings
Check final accounts, inventories, tax receipts
Certify copies of judgments and other legal papers
Administer mental commitment and guardianship proceedings
Small Claims
Conduct small claims conciliation conferences, hearings, and trials
Examine pleadings, issue decisions or judgments, including default judgments
Approve stipulations and evaluate procedures for recommendation of revisions
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements • Graduation from an accredited law school • Admission to practice law in Wisconsin • Minimum three (3) years as an attorney • Extensive knowledge of all types of hearings handled by court commissioners, and understanding of courtroom practice
Background Check Statement Some positions may require a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. Dane County reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law prohibits discrimination based on arrest or conviction record, but an applicant may be disqualified if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to their criminal history.
For Bilingual Positions
Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong)
Applicants for bilingual positions are tested in the recruitment process (oral and possibly written translation)
Confirmation of bilingual certifications may be required by Employee Relations
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and grasping. Ability to lift and move materials up to 25 lbs. Prolonged computer and phone use; fine and gross motor skills; ability to speak, hear, and see within normal ranges.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of Wisconsin State Statutes, constitutional law, and judicial procedures
Proficient office administration methods
Effective oral and written communication skills
Analytical skills for legal documents
Ability to conduct judicial proceedings, conciliatory conferences, and manage case processing
Use of alternative appearance methods (telephone, video)
Professional judgment authorized by Statutes and Chief Judge
Benefits and Perks
Full‑time dental and HMO health insurance premiums
Contributions to POS health insurance and long‑term disability
Long‑term care, vision coverage, flex spending account, and deferred compensation programs
Bilingual pay: $2.00 per hour for designated positions
Undesirable hours premium: $2.00 for work between 6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. and weekends
Paid parental leave: 12 weeks for birth or adoption
Caregiver leave: 80 hours paid leave for ill family member
Telecommuting available when role is suitable
Student loan forgiveness via Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Wisconsin Retirement System eligibility for hires after 7‑1‑11
Employment Eligibility Dane County participates in E‑Verify. For more information see the Notice of E‑Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.
Application Questions
Have you graduated from an accredited law school?
Do you have admission to practice law in the State of Wisconsin?
Do you have at least three (3) years’ experience as an attorney, extensive knowledge of all types of hearings handled by court commissioners, and an understanding of courtroom practice?
If you answered yes to questions 1‑3, please explain how you meet those requirements.
Did you upload a resume & cover letter?
Describe your qualifications in each area that commissioners preside (family, small claims, juvenile, criminal, and probate), or explain how you would obtain those qualifications.
Describe your courtroom experience; types of cases, nature of hearings, and amount of courtroom time.
Describe any training or experience you have on the judicial perspective of courtroom practice.
What characteristics are important for a court commissioner? What makes you a good commissioner?
Describe any training or experience you have on dealing with disadvantaged, low‑income, or minority communities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr