JOB TITLE:

Associate Judge

DEPARTMENT:

Tribal Court

SUPERVISOR:

Chief Judge

SALARY:

Up to $120,000

JOB SUMMARY:

The Associate Judge presides over cases before the Tribal Court and helps ensure the proper operation of Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court under the supervision of the Chief Judge

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Issue warrants of arrest, bench warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, temporary restraining orders, Orders of Protection, commitments and other legal documents.
  • Preside over proceedings in all cases as assigned by the Chief Judge, including: civil, criminal, domestic relations, adoption, ICWA, landlord tenant, real estate, probate and specialty court and other matters arising under the Yavapai-Apache Law & Order Code and the jurisdiction of the Court.
  • Prepares written opinions, orders and other court directives on a timely basis.
  • Performs case management, on hearings, motions, rulings, setting of cases, etc. on a timely basis.
  • Maintain accurate and complete court records.
  • Assist court clerks in maintaining updated records and files on cases.
  • Adheres to rules of Judicial Ethics.
  • Supports and interacts with other employees and Tribal members.
  • Conduct court business and facilitate the development and use of alternative and informal processes in the resolution of disputes.
  • Conducts, attends, and interacts in meetings with the Yavapai-Apache Nation personnel, other public agencies and the public.
  • Assist Court Administrator in caseload reporting, conducts working relationship with judicial and tribal staff in a positive and professional manner to improve, and maintain the dignity of the Judicial Branch.
  • Represents the Nation in a variety of local, state, county, and other meetings.
  • Participates on various Nation work groups.
  • Remains current on relevant law matters including attending continuing legal education courses.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Attorney with a law degree and State Bar licensed
  • Have two (2) years’ experience as a Judicial Officer
  • Attorney, or Tribal Advocate (Law School Degree highly preferred for this position)
  • In the case of Non-Attorney, applicant must have High School Diploma or GED plus six (6) years’ exp as a Judicial Officer
  • IN the case of Non-Attorney, applicant can be a Tribal Advocate or a Paralegal or Tribal Trial Advocacy Certificate plus five (5) years’ exp as a Judicial Officer, Lawyer or Tribal Advocate
  • Minimum of one (1) year of practice before courts of limited jurisdiction.(Tribal Court preferred).
  • Possess a high level of competence, ability to apply legal thinking to reconciling the principles of law and the particular circumstances of issues presented in cases coming before the Court.
  • Must have good verbal & writing skills and, excellent communications skills.
  • Supervisory/Personnel Management experience preferred
  • Some judicial administrative experience preferred.
  • Ability to manage courtroom and specialty court staffing
  • Sound judicial temperament
  • Must be able to use computers and have good PC skills in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Access.
  • Ability to make effective presentations, explain the legal reasoning used on controversial or complex topics.
  • Have the capacity to remain open-minded, manage case workload efficiently.
  • Respect their peers and their constituencies.
  • Knowledge of Tribal, Federal and State Law; regarding Tribes and familiarity with Tribal communities.
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor within the past ten (10) years other than traffic violations.
  • Evidence of continuing education to maintain any required Certifications/License and update knowledge and skills.
  • Must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License and be insurable with the Nation’s auto insurance policy and sustain insurability throughout the duration of employment.

To apply, Click Here