Temporary Judge Program
San Joaquin County Superior Court is preparing to reinstate its Temporary Judge Program. The program will commence in Summer 2023. The Court invites qualified attorneys to join the new panel of temporary judges. Qualified attorneys will preside over various types of cases, including Small Claims, Traffic and Civil Harassment. This opportunity will be available primarily at the Stockton Courthouse.
A temporary judge must have been admitted to practice as a member of the State Bar of California for at
least ten years (or at least five years for an appointment with good cause). Applicants will be carefully evaluated to ensure their suitability as temporary judges.
The conditions for appointment are found in Rule 2.812(b) of the California Rules of Court, and the education and training requirements are found in Rule 2.812(c).
The Court seeks to maximize the potential for a diverse applicant pool. The Court encourages each and every eligible attorney to apply to be a temporary judge regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age or other protected class. Among the qualifications that the Court will consider in the selection process is an applicant’s exposure to and experience with diverse populations and issues related to those populations.
Temporary judges are used at the discretion of the Presiding Judge. Neither appointment nor service as a temporary judge creates an employment relationship with the Court.
For more information about volunteering as a Temporary Judge email TJP@sjcourt.org for details.