Chief Judge

The Chief Judge is responsible for the overall operation and further development of the Chukchansi Tribal Court system. The Chief Judge administers justice and discharge duties by following the rule of law. Hears evidence and decides cases by issuing orders under Tribal law, with an emphasis on family safety, child protection, and healing-to-wellness diversion program. Liaison between the Tribal Court, Social Services Department, and Tribal Council Maintain and increase credibility of the Tribal Court both in the administration of justice for Tribal citizens, and as a leader in the advancement of tribal justice statewide and nationally.

Qualifications: Education • J.D. Degree from an ABA accredited or State-Bar registered law school. Experience • Must be a member in good standing of the bar of any state. • Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in practicing law, including service on a tribal, federal, or state court bench. • Knowledge of Federal Indian Law with emphasis on issues of tribal sovereignty and government, including the Indian Civil Rights Act and PL 638 contracts and grants. • Knowledge of the Chukchansi customs, traditions, and history of the Chukchansi Tribe. • Must have experience in management and an understanding of basic office skills. • Must have good interpersonal skills. • Must have strong oral and written communication skills. • Experience in Indian affairs or Tribal Government. • Must have a clean criminal record. • Must have excellent organizational skills. • Must have and retain a valid driver’s license. • Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Familiarity with the Tribe’s Constitution, laws, and culture is preferred, but not required. • Ability to work in a high-performance, fast-paced, high-pressure environment. • Exceptional interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills. • Adept at multi-tasking, have unquestionable integrity, with a commitment to accuracy. • Organized with unfailing attention to detail and outstanding project management skills. • High level of comfort/ease interacting with all levels in the Tribe. • Ability to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner • Must operate with and maintain confidentiality

Essential Duties: • Protects and promotes the integrity of the Tribal Court System. • Adhere to the highest ethical standards and Chukchansi Code of Conduct. • Conduct hearings for fair presentation of evidence, develop and maintain records, and issure decisions based on Tribal law. • Works with the Tribal Court Administrator and Legal Department to manage Tribal Court calendar and caseload. • Maintain a working relationship with the Social Services Department as well as State, Federal, and other Tribal Courts. • Work collaboratively with the Legal Department to identify and pursue funding for expansion of services. • Willingness to participate in legal training to gain knowledge necessary to do the job. • Familiarity with Native American cultures. • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to respect the rule of law over emotion, provide sound judgement, and make impartial decisions. • Develops, or assists in developing, and implements court policy and procedures, forms, and tribal codes.