Temporary Judge Program Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Judge Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Temporary Judge?
A Temporary Judge is an attorney who volunteers their time and is trained to hear and decide cases. A Temporary Judge is also called a “judge pro tem.”
How do I become a Temporary Judge?
Information about the program requirements and the Temporary Judge Program application , opens PDF document is available online. If you have additional questions, visit the contact information page.
Do I need to be a member of the California State Bar?
Yes. You must be a member in good standing for at least ten (10) years. For good cause, the Presiding Judge may permit an attorney admitted to practice for at least five (5) years to qualify.
Do I need to attend training, and if so, what training is required?
Yes. To serve or continue to serve as a Temporary Judge, two courses are mandatory: Ethics and Bench Conduct and Demeanor.
- Ethics (online training available)
- Bench Conduct and Demeanor (in-person training required)
In addition, at least one substantive law course must be completed before certification and assignment:
- Small Claims (two-module training; online available)
- Traffic (online available)
- Civil Harassment (online available)
Temporary Judges may only preside over cases in subject areas for which they have been trained and certified.
Am I required to take any assignments?
Yes. If approved to serve as a Temporary Judge, you are required to sit a minimum of four (4) times each year.
How frequent are Temporary Judge assignments?
Assignment frequency depends on the needs of the Court and the subject areas in which you are certified. Your availability, location preferences, and subject matter preferences will be considered along with the Court’s needs. The Court also attempts to distribute assignments among certified Temporary Judges.
If you have concerns about assignment frequency, please contact the Temporary Judge Program to discuss the matter.
If I practice in a specialized area only, will I be disqualified from certain assignments?
If you are a criminal prosecutor or criminal defense attorney, you will not be assigned to a traffic courtroom. If the principal portion of your practice involves representing plaintiffs/petitioners or defendants/respondents in Small Claims or Civil Harassment, you will not be assigned to those courtrooms.
After completing required training, you may serve in other eligible subject areas.
Is the performance of a Temporary Judge reviewed by the Court?
Yes. California Rule of Court 10.745 requires regular performance review and permits monitoring by various means. If a complaint is received, the supervising judge will investigate and prepare a response. You will be notified and may be asked to provide input.
Temporary Judges also have a continuing duty to disclose certain activities as outlined in California Rules of Court 10.744(b) and (c).
Do I need to submit a new application every three years?
Yes. Eligibility under California Rules of Court, rule 2.812, is valid for three years. A renewal application must be submitted to continue serving.
Renewal applicants must also verify completion of mandatory Bench Conduct and Demeanor training, Ethics training, and one substantive matter course. To avoid a gap in service, you should independently track your eligibility dates.
Can I receive MCLE credit for training?
Yes. You may receive Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit for coursework completed to serve as a Temporary Judge.
May I advertise that I have been certified as a Temporary Judge?
California Code of Judicial Ethics, Canon 6D(9)(a)–(b), provides that a Temporary Judge may not use their title or service as a Temporary Judge as a description of their principal profession in campaign materials, advertisements, business materials, or public-facing documents.
The Canon allows use of the title in applications to serve as a Temporary Judge, applications for employment or judicial appointment, resumes, and responses to requests regarding public service.
The Superior Court takes compliance with this policy seriously.