CITC Tribal Court Judge

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. 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.

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:

• As assigned

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