How to Be a Judge Pro Tem in California

A judge pro tem is a private individual who offers to serve as the presiding judge in a civil lawsuit for a fee This is frequently a vital alternative for people needing a quick, easy manner to hear their case

When parties agree in writing to engage the services of a judge who accepts this role, they are authorized by California law to execute the duties and obligations of an official public judge. A judge pro tem is usually appointed by the parties or their attorneys

The Judicial Council, which regulates all state courts in California, enacts rules controlling the selection, training, appointment, and supervision of court-appointed temporary judges The Judicial Council has devised training seminars to assist temporary judges in understanding their responsibilities and meeting the MCLE requirements of California Rule of Court 2 810

Qualifications for becoming a pro tem judge vary by jurisdiction and case type. Attorneys seeking appointment as a judge pro tem in the Superior Court of Butte County, for example, must meet several prerequisites and have certain legal expertise Furthermore, at the time of their initial appointment, all attorneys acting as a judge pro tem must take an oath of office.

Jay Rothman added that, a judge pro tem can hear any case that a regular court judge or commissioner can hear Small claims, divorce, custody, landlord-tenant conflicts, probate, and other money-related actions are covered

If you want to become a judge pro tem, you must be able to meet the following requirements:

You must be a California State Bar-licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar for at least ten years You must also be able to travel and have an active California driver's license

The Judicial Council's website provides several online courses for attorneys interested in serving as a judge pro tem These courses will teach you the fundamentals of the law and the legal system in your jurisdiction.

Before sitting for more than thirty days in a calendar year, a judge pro tem is required by law to file Form 700 with the Clerk of Court. This form asks a judge to declare their economic interests and explain how those interests affect how they perform their judicial functions

A judge pro tem is also required by law to submit any disciplinary action taken by the State Bar of California against them at least two court days before appearing as a temporary judge This is consistent with the judge's obligation under Canon 3B to "act in a manner that upholds and enhances the dignity of the judicial office."(3).