Clallam County Launches Search for New Court Commissioner
Exactly one month following the departure of former Court Commissioner Brian Parker, Clallam County has initiated the recruitment process to fill his vacancy. Superior Court Administrator Lacey Halberg distributed an email confirming that the court is now accepting applications for the open role.
The Superior Court faces the significant task of restoring public confidence following a year marked by scandal, allegations of perjury, and community outcry.
Position Details and Compensation
The position is a full-time appointment rather than an elected office, carrying substantial authority and a compensation package structured as follows:
- Annual Salary: $213,714.00
- Pay Structure: 90% of a Superior Court Judge's salary
- Application Deadline: 4/10/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific
The individual selected for this role will preside over sensitive and high-priority matters within the county. The primary responsibilities of the position involve domestic, family, and juvenile court proceedings. Additional duties include overseeing civil protection orders, domestic relations, dependency cases, and juvenile offender matters.
Vetting and Qualifications
Residents of Clallam County are expected to closely monitor the qualifications and vetting process for the new commissioner. The job listing specifies the following baseline requirements:
- A minimum of five years of professional legal experience
- A law degree
- A license to practice law in the State of Washington
Experience in Juvenile and Family Law is listed as "desirable." The job description explicitly states that the selected applicant must adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Given the tenure of Brian Parker—who was fast-tracked into the role by former Presiding Judge Brent Basden without a probationary period, despite a police referral for felony perjury—the community is seeking assurances that history will not repeat itself. Questions remain regarding whether court administration will conduct thorough background checks or if red flags will be overlooked for the sake of expediency.
Appointment Process
Because the Family Court Commissioner is an appointed position, the individual who fills the role will not appear on a ballot and is not directly accountable to the citizens of Clallam County. The job posting highlights this dynamic:
- The Court Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the Superior Court Judges.
- Removal from office may be without cause and remains solely within the discretion of the Superior Court Judges.
This reality places the responsibility for the appointment squarely on the three Superior Court Judges. As new Presiding Judge Simon Barnhart oversees the hiring process, the public expects a rigorous, transparent vetting procedure that prioritizes judicial integrity and community safety.