Court Probate Examiner

About the Role

The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo seeks experienced candidates for the position of Court Probate Examiner. This is a specialized technical level position performing complex and specialized probate assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, examine, and process complex probate petitions and support pleadings for accuracy and inform judicial officers of any deficiencies.
• Review accountings, conservatorship petitions, and guardianship petitions for compliance with jurisdictional and procedural requirements.
• Confer and communicate with attorneys, litigants, other members of the public, judges, and courtroom staff regarding court procedures, materials, fees, and fines.
• Review files to ensure documentation is procedurally correct and contact attorneys and petitioners to resolve problems.
• Perform legal research of statutes and brief the judge regarding unusual cases.
• Prepare summary documentation, including facts, legal factors, issues, and recommendations.
• Monitor changes to probate law and recommend and institute policy and procedural changes.
• Attend court hearings and provide consultation on procedural matters.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Substantial knowledge of probate law, including rules and procedures in conservatorships and guardianships.
• Knowledge of provisions of the Probate Code, Civil Code, other California codes, California Rules of Court, and local court rules pertaining to probate documents.
• Knowledge of State and local Rules of Court governing court operations and document processing.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, principles, and concepts relevant to probate cases.
• Knowledge of correct English usage, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures, including operation of standard office equipment such as a computer.
• Knowledge of techniques for dealing with diverse populations, including those with physical and/or emotional problems.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the qualifications for a Probate Examiner as set forth in rule 10.777 of the California Rules of Court:

OR

• A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited educational institution and a minimum of two years' employment experience with a court, law office, public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.

OR

• A paralegal certificate or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited educational institution and a minimum of four years' employment experience with a court, law office, public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.

OR

• A juris doctor degree from an ABA-approved or State Bar of California accredited institution and a minimum of six months' employment experience with a court, law office, public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.

Skills & Abilities

• Interpret, evaluate, and explain complex laws, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to probate law.
• Perform legal research, and analyze and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, documents, correspondence, procedures, and other written materials.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Interact appropriately with judges, court staff, attorneys, and the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Application & Examination

• Application screening based on application and responses to supplemental questions.
• Panel interview, which may include a written and/or performance exercise.
• An application appraisal of education and experience may be used.
• All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California.
• Applications are accepted online only. Resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Recruitment Schedule

• This is a continuous recruitment. Apply immediately.
• Selections may be made at any time.
• The recruitment may close at any time.