Tenth Judicial District Referee (2 positions)

The Tenth Judicial District is seeking qualified candidates for two (2) full-time Judicial Referee positions, with duties in probate, guardianship and conservatorship cases, and housing court matters, with the potential for assignment to other areas of the court as needed. The appointments will be made by the Tenth District Chief Judge.

These positions support the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s mission to increase access to justice for all people in Minnesota.

Judicial Referees exercise a substantial degree of discretion and independent judgment in carrying out their responsibilities, within the framework of applicable state laws, rules of procedure, and policies governing the administration of the assigned court and judicial proceedings.

This posting will remain open until both positions are filled. Initial application review will begin on September 8, 2026, with first interviews tentatively scheduled for October 1, 2026. 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Hears contested and uncontested cases, trials, motions, and hearings, including probate cases, guardianship and conservatorship cases, and housing court matters. Hears other case types and matters assigned.
• Instructs parties and witnesses as to their rights.
• Questions witnesses; inquires as to the causes for which the persons are brought before the court.
• Rules on objections to evidence; evaluates evidence.
• Make decisions on factual and legal questions; prepare findings and orders regarding the disposition of cases.
• Completes and prepares orders for a judge's signature; confers with attorneys and the public in regard to court matters.
• Conducts legal research to prepare for court proceedings and litigated matters.
• Collaborates with other judicial officers and confers with attorneys, justice partners, and the public regarding court matters.
• Acts as a District Court guardianship and conservatorship and housing court expert for the bench and as a liaison with partner agencies and the community, giving presentations to judicial, legal and community groups.
• Performs related work as required by the Court.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Five years of combined experience practicing law, including representing and/or advising clients, or serving as a judicial officer.                                                   

Minimum Licensure/Certifications

• Admission to the Minnesota Bar and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Minnesota.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of state laws and court rulings applicable to the assigned areas of the court, including probate, guardianship and conservatorship, housing, and/or general civil law.
• Ability to be fair, impartial, and sensitive to the needs of a diverse population.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and collaborative with administration staff, team members, and justice partners and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Thorough knowledge of general and specific law, state laws, established precedents, and sources of legal reference.
• Thorough knowledge of court procedures, rules of evidence, and trial and courtroom procedures.
• Ability to apply legal principles and specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
• Ability to prepare for hearings and trials, hear difficult cases and present findings, decisions, and other material clearly and logically in oral and written form.
• Ability to maintain control and courtroom decorum with parties in crisis who often have limited understanding of court proceedings.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with strong case management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Courtroom and litigation experience in probate, housing, and/or general civil matters.

• Works well under pressure with excellent case and time management skills.

• Extensive experience as a problem-solving critical thinker.

• Ability to apply a broad organizational perspective to support and improve the administration of justice throughout the Tenth Judicial District.

   

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• These positions are hybrid. Selected candidates will be expected to report onsite as needed to perform their job duties, with the flexibility to work remotely when appropriate. The assigned chambers will be located at one of the eight Tenth District courthouses.
• Applicants are not required to be residents of the Tenth District.
• Work is performed in office settings, courtrooms, and through virtual hearings.
• Compensation: Hourly Rate: $81.94 per hour ($171,091). The compensation rate for Judicial Referees is statutorily tied to judicial salaries.
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Core business hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Initial days off: Saturday, Sunday, and Court Designated Holidays.