JOB
Ventura Superior Court is accepting applications to fill a vacancy and establish a list for future vacancies.
First Application Review: May 8, 2026
Under general supervision by the Legal Research Senior Attorney and the General Counsel/Director of Legal Services, incumbent in this classification performs diverse, complex and specialized probate assignments requiring the use of advanced specialized knowledge of Probate Code, applicable Rules of Court and Local Rules, and court policies, practices and procedures; reviews and processes complex probate documents, ensuring their completeness and compliance with all applicable legal requirements; answers questions from judicial officers, other court staff, litigants, attorneys and the public regarding probate requirements and legal processes and procedures. Performs related duties as assigned.
Probate Examiners provide paraprofessional legal assistance to one or more Probate Legal Research Attorneys and the assigned judicial officer. Incumbents in this classification are expected to apply probate statutes, rules, policies, procedures, and practices in carrying out complex and detailed processes, often involving the use of problem-solving skills to ensure all legal requirements are met and the rights of wards and conservatees and the interests of estates are faithfully observed. Incumbents are expected to correctly interpret and explain applicable legal requirements and judicial orders to court staff, litigants and attorneys. Work performed of substantive legal impact may be under the direction and technical review of one/or more Legal Research Probate Attorney(s).
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Reviews the documents in the court file, and determines the substantive and procedural status of the case.
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Audits accountings for mathematical accuracy, propriety of investments, compliance with law and prior court orders, and breach of fiduciary duties.
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Recommends appropriate surcharge, if applicable. Identifies relevant facts and potential harm to estates.
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Analyzes court investigator reports to identify relevant facts and findings; determines and recommends needs of wards and conservatees.
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Verifies accuracy and propriety of facts and acts reported in accountings, and recommends appropriate action.
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Evaluates propriety of proposed distribution of estates against decedent's will and/or intestate succession, as applicable.
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Verifies licensing status with the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau for private conservator and guardians.
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Provides recommendations concerning what action should be taken by the court concerning each hearing, including whether petitions should be approved, denied, continued, or taken off the court calendar.
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Summarizes the subject of each hearing, including the relief being requested in the pleadings, whether that relief can be granted under law, and if not whether similar relief would be authorized by law.
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Recommends findings, sufficient bond, and setting of hearings or time standards as required by law and court procedures.
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Identifies procedural and substantive deficiencies in pleadings.
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Identifies factual or legal issues that the judicial officer must consider with reference to the documents, legal authority, or other factors to be considered.
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Updates probate workups, including those written by other court staff, based on new documents filed and new events that have occurred in the case.
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Reviews orders, both before and after the hearing, and recommends whether the order is appropriate or should be rejected or modified.
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Discusses probate workups with attorneys, litigants, and court staff as needed.
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Explains any document deficiencies and identifies acceptable methods to cure deficiencies.
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Prepares written analyses for the judicial officer.
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Attends (as directed) court hearings and provides consultation on procedural matters.
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Assists in preparation and presentation of continuing education materials to local entities, including county bar association.
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Maintains statistical data regarding work performed.
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Troubleshoots difficult and sensitive probate situations; acts as liaison between the probate department, other units, and departments involved in probate processes and courtroom staff.
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Complete assignments or tasks from the court’s Legal Research Senior Attorney and General Counsel/Director of Legal Services and provides assistance and support to both, as needed.
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Accesses computerized case management systems and databases to retrieve information; makes complex updates to case records in automated case management systems; generates reports.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
DEADLINE DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED. First Application Review - May 8, 2026
TO APPLY: Please visit our website at www.ventura.courts.ca.gov. For consideration, please apply online. Please contact Court Human Resources at (805) 289-8618 if you are unable to access the application online or discuss required accommodation. This recruitment is continuous and may be closed without notice upon receipt of sufficient number of qualified applicants.
This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for full time, part time, regular, extra-help or fixed term positions.
APPLICATION EVALUATION: All applications received will be evaluated based on the requirements of the position. A comparative screening will be conducted to determine which of the applicants will be selected for invitation to the next step of the screening and selection process. Those individuals who are invited to continue to the next step in the screening and selection process will be contacted via the email address they provided in their application.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: All applicants are required to complete the Supplemental Questionnaire for this examination. The Supplemental Questionnaire shall be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and eligibility for this position.
INTERVIEW PROCESS: The interviews may be consolidated into one process or expanded into multiple interviews contingent upon the size and quantity of the candidate pool. Following the evaluation of the applications, the most qualified candidates may be invited to an oral board panel interview. If an oral board panel interview is conducted, top candidates from the oral board panel interview will be invited to interview with the hiring director, hiring executive officer and/or members of the court executive management team.
Tentative interview date: TBD
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must possess the personal qualifications generally recognized as essential to being an outstanding public employee, including integrity, initiative, dependability, courtesy, good judgment and ability to work with others as a team and follow instructions.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants may be subjected to a thorough background investigation, which may include personal and professional character references, inquiry into past employment, education, credit, criminal background and depending on the position, may include driving records. Please note that the pre-employment background process will include any interaction you may have from the application process through the time that you are provided a final offer of employment. Offer of employment may be rescinded at any time during the pre-employment background check process if the process determines that the applicant is not a good fit for the position.
