The Superior Court Of California, County Of San Bernardino Invites Attorneys to Join the Temporary Judge Program
Temporary judges serve an important role in our judicial system. Qualified attorneys preside over various types of cases including Small Claims, Traffic, Family Law, and Probate. This opportunity is available at courthouses across our county, including locations at San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Victorville, Barstow, and Joshua Tree.
Applicants are carefully evaluated to ensure their suitability as temporary judges. The Court makes every effort to ensure that those who volunteer as temporary judges have the necessary character, experience, and qualifications to effectively serve the public. To facilitate the success of each successful applicant, the Court provides training and support, as outlined in the California Rules of Court.
Current participants in the program have expressed how their service has led to a deeper understanding of the judicial system, an appreciation of the role of judicial officers and greater empathy for the needs of the public. These volunteers also gain first-hand experience of the current demands being placed on our judicial system. The Court encourages interested and qualified attorneys to apply.
Temporary judges are appointed and serve at the discretion of the Presiding Judge. Neither appointment nor service as a temporary judge creates any employment relationship with the Court.
Application Process
Applications are accepted year round. Submit an Application, with the required training certificates (Bench Conduct, Decorum and Demeanor, Judicial Ethics, and Substantive area of law) in one of the following manners:
Attn: Temporary Judge Administrator
247 W. Third Street, 11th Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Email
Fax: 909-708-8754
Qualifications
Eligible candidates must be in good standing with the CA State Bar with no disciplinary action pending, no felony conviction, and have been admitted to practice for at least 10 years. However, for good cause, the Presiding Judge may permit an attorney who has been admitted for at least 5 years to serve.
*Appointment as a temporary judge is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Education and Training Requirements
As mandated by rules 2.812 and 2.813 of the California Rules of Court, the Presiding Judge may appoint an attorney to serve as a temporary judge only if the following minimum training requirements are satisfied:- Bench Conduct [3 hrs] - Offered as necessary
- Judicial Ethics [3 hrs] - Available online here
- *At least one area of substantive law, such as Family Law, Small Claims, etc. (CA Rules of Court, Rule 2.812 (c)) [3 hours] - Available online here
MCLE credit is provided for all required training.
Training Course Schedule
Dates will appear next to the class whenever one is scheduled.
- Bench Conduct Course: December 11 - 1:00 to 4:00PM | SBJC 140/144
- Probate Course
- Civil Harassment Course
Registration: TempJudge@sb-court.org
Note: attorneys may take courses offered at any other Superior Court in California to fulfill training requirements.
Renewal Process
The eligibility period for serving as a Temporary Judge pursuant to California Rule of Court 2.812, is valid for a three-year period.
Six (6) months prior to the conclusion of the three-year period, current participants must submit a Renewal Application, with the required training certificates (Bench Conduct, Demeanor and Decorum, Judicial Ethics, and Substantive area of law).
Complaint Procedure
If you have a complaint about a Court-appointed Temporary Judge, please complete this complaint form.
Resource and Governing Rules
California Rules of Court Governing Temporary Judges
http://www.courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index.cfm?title=two Rules 2.810- 2.819 and Rules 2.830- 2.835
http://www.courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index.cfm?title=ten Rules 10.740-10.746
Financial Disclosure Required Under the California Fair Political Practices Act
The California Code of Regulations requires temporary judges who sit thirty days or more in a calendar year, to file with the Clerk of the Court, the statement of economic interests (Form 700) required of regular judicial officers. Temporary judges are responsible for keeping track of the number of days that they serve.
This form may be found online here.