Chief Judge, Tribal Law

The Hualapai Tribe is looking for a full-time Chief Judge based in Peach Springs, AZ. This role is a two-year term appointment by the Tribal Council, with the opportunity for reappointment based on performance and Council approval.

Reporting to the Tribal Council, you will play a pivotal role as the highest official of the Judicial Branch, overseeing court operations, upholding tribal law, and ensuring the fair administration of justice.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for leading the Hualapai Judiciary, presiding over cases, managing judicial staff, and ensuring compliance with tribal, federal, and state legal standards.

To qualify, you will need 10+ years of legal leadership experience in tribal, federal, and state law, along with a relevant law degree, preferably a Juris Doctor (JD), or 5+ years of dedicated experience in progressively responsible judicial court administrative roles.

The following are required:

No conviction of a serious misdemeanor within one year of the application date, whether on the Reservation or in another jurisdiction

A valid driver’s license with the ability to pass an MVR check

Ability to undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprint clearance for vulnerable sectors

Ability to submit to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

Extensive experience in civil, juvenile, and criminal law, with the ability to oversee a broad range of cases

Strong knowledge of tribal, federal, and state court procedures, including legal frameworks governing Indigenous communities

Familiarity with the Hualapai Law and Order Code, the Indian Civil Rights Act, and the Indian Child Welfare Act

Proven ability to align prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement, and Tribal Council members to uphold justice and ensure a unified approach to community well-being

Demonstrated leadership in overseeing court operations, managing judicial staff, and implementing policies that strengthen the judiciary

Strong legal writing and analytical skills for drafting opinions, court orders, and judicial decisions

Knowledge of grant writing, financial planning, and resource management to support judicial initiatives

Ability to represent the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences

As our ideal candidate, serving at the pleasure of the Tribal Council, you bring sound judgment, resilience, and a deep understanding of the responsibility of leading the judicial branch. You will navigate this role with authority, humility, and empathy, ensuring justice is upheld with strength and fairness. Unifying departments, you will foster a judicial system that is firm yet fair, balancing legal integrity with cultural awareness while serving the community with transparency, clarity, accountability, and trust.

This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a strong backbone, deep respect for tribal governance, and an unwavering commitment to justice. The Hualapai Tribal Court seeks a leader who can unite stakeholders, drive meaningful change, and build a lasting foundation for justice and stability.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Overseeing the administration and operations of the Tribal Court, including budget planning and policy implementation

Exercising independent judicial authority in hearing and deciding civil, juvenile, and criminal cases

Supervising the Associate Judge(s), Court Administrator, and court staff, providing guidance on legal policies and procedures

Issuing legal documents such as warrants, subpoenas, court orders, and judgments

Developing and revising court procedures, forms, and tribal codes in alignment with legal standards

Representing the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences

Ensuring professional development by attending legal training, judicial management courses, and relevant tribal law events

Promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in all judicial processes

$99,029-$148,544 annually