Temporary Judge Program

San Joaquin County Superior Court is preparing to reinstate its Temporary Judge Program. The program is expected to commence in Summer 2023. The Court invites qualified attorneys to join a new panel of temporary judges. Qualified attorneys may preside over various case types, including Small Claims, Traffic, and Civil Harassment. This opportunity will be available primarily at the Stockton Courthouse.

Eligibility and requirements

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.

Appointment conditions are described in California Rules of Court, rule 2.812(b), and education and training requirements are described in California Rules of Court, rule 2.812(c).

Diversity and inclusion

The Court seeks to maximize the potential for a diverse applicant pool. The Court encourages every eligible attorney to apply to be a temporary judge regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age, or other protected class. Among the qualifications considered in the selection process is an applicant’s exposure to and experience with diverse populations and issues related to those populations.

Service and status

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.

Contact and related pages

For more information about volunteering as a Temporary Judge, email TJP@sjcourt.org.