CITC Tribal Court Judge

• 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.

• 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

• As assigned

• 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

This is a contract position