Job Description
JOB TITLE : TRIBAL COURT CHIEF JUDGE
DEPARTMENT: TRIBAL COURT
POSITION TYPE: ON CONTRACT
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES: - Development of procedural standards for carrying out the Tribal ordinances, subject to approval by Tribal Council
- Hearing all matters delegated to the Court by ordinance
- Drafting opinions, court orders, and judicial decisions
- Development and maintenance of a list of at least three qualified Acting Judges to be called upon to hear cases in the event of disqualification of a judge or as deemed necessary.
- Development and maintenance, with the assistance of the Clerk, a system for record keeping and docket system
- Maintain current copies of Tribal, federal, and State laws applicable to proceedings coming before the court
- Preparation of the Court’s annual plan and budget
- Issuing receipts for any monies collected or paid out by the Tribal Court
- Depositing all receipts into the Tribal accounting system earmarked for inclusion in the Tribal Court’s annual plan budget
- Supervising and coordinating training of Court personnel and peacemakers
- Exercising independent judicial authority in hearing and deciding cases in the Tribal Court
- Ensures security and confidentiality of court files and information contained in the files.
- Attends court hearings, trials, and meetings.
- Avoids all instances of ex parte communication regarding cases before the court.
- Promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in all judicial processes.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: - Cannot have any active pending court cases
- Bachelor’s degree
- Extensive experience in civil, juvenile, criminal, and Tribal law with the ability to oversee a broad range of cases
- Strong knowledge of Tribal, federal, and/or state court procedures.
- Familiarity with the Chemehuevi Indian Tribal Code, the Indian Civil Rights Act, and the Indian Child Welfare act
- Experience in leadership overseeing court operations, managing court staff, and implementing policies that strengthen the judiciary
- Strong legal writing and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of grant writing, financial planning, and resource management to support judicial initiatives
- Good with arithmetic Type accurately (40 wpm)
- Basic grammar and spelling accuracy
- Familiarity with software used in offices
- Familiarity with the use of Zoom to hold virtual court hearings
- Familiarity with equipment such as phone systems, scanners, copiers, computers as used in offices for general office operations, including email and word or document processing
Required Continuing Education/Training: Other Requirements: - At least 30 years of age with a bachelor’s degree with the equivalent on one year of Tribal Court training
- A minimum of two (2) years experience practicing law in Tribal Court
- Demonstrable knowledge of Indian Law, federal law, and California law
- Complete background check
- Submit to pre-employment drug testing
- Comply with Drug Free Workplace Policy
- Requires flexible scheduling (when applicable)
- Ability to travel
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
Job Tags
Contract work, Work at office, Flexible hours