Under the general guidance of the Circuit Court Judges, the Douglas County Circuit Court Commissioner ensures the fair, efficient and orderly administration of justice in all areas of the law that the Commissioner has been assigned to handle and preside over.

• Review petitions for temporary restraining orders; preside over injunction and firearms surrender hearings
• Serve as the Director of Family Services under Wis. Stat. § 767.405
• Preside over temporary order hearings and status conferences in divorce; preside over some post-divorce placement hearings
• Preside over paternity and child support hearings
• Preside over small claims trials (except contested eviction and replevin matters) 
• Conduct initial appearances in criminal, traffic and ordinance cases
• Conduct evidentiary preliminary hearings in felony criminal cases
• Review arrest warrants and search warrants (including being on-call after regular business hours and on weekends)
• Conduct temporary detention hearings and plea hearings in juvenile delinquency cases; conduct temporary physical custody hearings and plea hearings in child protection cases; preside over juvenile ordinance matters
• Hold probable cause mental commitment hearings
• Perform wedding ceremonies (on an as-needed basis)
• Supervise a judicial assistant, and perform administrative duties related to the operation and management of the Court Commissioner’s Office
• Prepare and manage an annual office budget
• Perform and participate in other work and activities as directed by the judges
• Attend Court Commissioner conferences

• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Must have been licensed to practice law for a minimum of three years, and be currently licensed to practice law in good standing in the State of Wisconsin
• Experience practicing in the areas of family, criminal, juvenile and/or civil law

• Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of legal principles, court procedures, and relevant laws governing civil, criminal, and family matters
• Judicial Decision-Making: Ability to analyze complex legal issues, evaluate evidence, and make fair and impartial decisions based on the law and facts presented.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication skills are essential for interacting with attorneys, litigants, witnesses, and court staff. This includes written communication for drafting legal documents and opinions.
• Conflict Resolution: Skill in resolving disputes and conflicts in a fair and impartial manner, often through mediation or negotiation techniques.
• Research Skills: Proficiency in legal research methods to analyze statutes, case law, and legal precedents relevant to cases before the court.
• Analytical Thinking: Capacity to critically analyze legal arguments, evidence, and testimony to arrive at well-reasoned decisions and recommendations.
• Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding ethical standards and integrity in all judicial proceedings, maintaining impartiality and fairness.
• Case Management: Ability to manage a caseload efficiently, prioritize tasks, and adhere to court deadlines while ensuring due process for all parties involved.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport and maintaining professional relationships with diverse individuals, including judges, attorneys, court personnel, and the public.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and digital tools for efficient case processing and record-keeping.
• Continuing Education: Commitment to ongoing learning and staying updated on changes in laws, procedures, and judicial best practices through continuing legal education programs and professional development opportunities.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in judicial proceedings.
• Maintain high standards of judicial decorum, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to remain calm, professional and courteous at all times.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other agencies and departments in the court system
• Ability to be objective when decision-making.