What are the responsibilities and job description for the Examiner I/II- Probate position at Fresno Superior Court?
Description
Please note the anticipated recruitment activity dates (subject to change):
Written Exam- Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Selection Interviews- Thursday, September 4, 2025
All application materials must be received in NeoGov to be considered for review. Incomplete application packets will not be accepted. A resume will not be considered in lieu of a completed application.
DEFINITION: Under general supervision, provides technical, procedural and paralegal review of probate matters to ensure that all case files are complete, accurate, and in compliance with statues, local rules and policies.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Probate Examiner series performs the full range of probate case evaluations. Duties emphasize standard or routine assignments performed with some independence. Incumbents must maintain confidentiality and must use sound judgment in performing assigned duties. Errors in judgment or failure to complete assignments could have a negative result on the outcome of a hearing and result in the expenditure of resources of the Court. Incumbents are not responsible for leading or supervising the work of others.
The Probate Examiner I is the entry level classification in the series. Incumbents receive training, and close supervision, review, and direction in the completion of assignments. The Probate Examiner II classification has sufficient experience to complete assignments with minimum supervision, and exercise greater judgment in the performance duties.
Typical Tasks
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The information below is meant to serve as samples of job duties and responsibilities for this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.
All duties are performed in accordance with federal and California law, Rules of Court, and established local rules and procedures.
Essential Functions:
All duties are performed in accordance with federal and California law, Rules of Court, and established local rules and procedures.
Essential Functions:
- Examines, reviews, and analyzes for compliance with procedural requirements with statutes, codes, court rules and policies, less complex motions, petitions, and other documents contained in probate, guardianship, mental health and conservatorship case files which are set for hearing in Superior Court;
- Evaluates, abstracts, summarizes, and notes defects and discrepancies regarding the completeness and validity of probate petitions and documents for the attention of the Court;
- Consults with and reviews reports from Court Investigators, attorneys, the Public Guardian, and appropriate agencies;
- Confers with the Probate Judge and reviews petitions, and filed documents to present and discuss recommendations;
- Answers questions from court customers, both internal and external, regarding procedural requirements of routine probate matters and cases pending or set for hearing;
- Reviews legal documents for completeness and procedural accuracy before filing by self- represented litigants;
- Reviews changes in legislation and case law pertaining to probate matters;
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A Probate Court Examiner I/II must qualify under one (1) of the three (3) options listed below per Rule 10.777(c) of the California Rules of Court.
Option 1:
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree from an educational institution approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.
AND
Experience: A minimum of six (6) months', full-time, paid, employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.
Option 2:
Education: A Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited educational institution.
AND
Experience: A minimum of two (2) years', full-time, paid, employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.
Option 3:
Education: A Paralegal Certificate or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited educational institution.
AND
Experience: A minimum of four (4) years' employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.
AND
License: Possession of valid Class "C" California Driver's License or the ability to travel between Court locations as assigned.
Additional Information
EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
- Legal principles and practices, and legal terminology;
- Effective organizational, time management, and record keeping practices;
- Court policies and procedures; pertinent laws, rules, and goals; awareness of the objectives of the Court; and
- Modern office practices and procedures and filing systems, computer applications including Odyssey, Excel, Word and Outlook.
Skill and Ability to:
- Demonstrate advanced analytical and critical thinking;
- Demonstrate excellent and effective oral and written communication;
- Formulate and present sound recommendations to the Court;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the organization;
- Exercise initiative and accomplish job assignments independently;
- Learn new work processes and procedures and deal effectively with other departments and the public;
- Interpret and apply complex laws and rules to the cases being reviewed;
- Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in legal research and writing methods;
- Manage projects with changing priority; and
- Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and various software programs.
