Associate Judge (KD-49643)

CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION • Coulee City, WA

13d • $120,000 - $135,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Judge provides a broad range of judicial functions at the trial court level for the Colville Tribal Court of the Confederated Tribes. The judge presides over criminal, civil, and family law cases as appointed by the Chief Judge. This is an exempt position based at the Tribal Courthouse in Nespelem, Washington, and reports to the Chief Judge.

The role requires managing a busy court docket, conducting legal research, issuing decisions and writing legal opinions, and working with courts of other jurisdictions, Tribal legal offices, Tribal officials, and the public. The judge must uphold judicial integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards; work effectively under stress and with interruptions; and be available by phone around the clock for urgent requests. The position requires residence on or near the Colville Indian Reservation or willingness to relocate.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school, or equivalent education qualifying for admission to the Washington State Bar Association.
• At least four years of successful experience practicing law as an attorney.
• Membership in good standing of a state bar association and sufficient legal training to preside over criminal and civil proceedings.
• Must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association or able to obtain admission by motion, and must become a member within one year of employment.
• Must be a member of the Colville Tribal Bar or pass the Tribal Bar and be admitted to practice in Tribal Court within 90 days of hire.
• Valid state driver's license; where required, must maintain a valid Washington State driver's license and be eligible for the Tribes' vehicle insurance.
• Working knowledge of general court procedures and processes; knowledge of Washington State law and applicable case law; and some knowledge of the Colville Tribal Code and supporting case law.
• Knowledge of a variety of case types, potentially including criminal, civil, dependency (MINOC), family law, and infraction cases.
• Knowledge of tribal sovereignty, alternative sentencing and restorative justice, substance use disorder treatment, mental health court alternatives, culturally appropriate sentencing, and trauma-informed courtroom management.
• Strong leadership, courtroom management, conflict-resolution, judicial temperament, integrity, and ethics.
• Ability to conduct legal research, manage a court docket, make decisions, work under stress, multitask, and work effectively with interruptions and distractions.
• Ability to use a personal computer and common office productivity software to produce correspondence and reports; accurate typing/keyboarding; familiarity with Zoom; and ability to learn FullCourt courtroom management software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate humility and compassion, and work cooperatively as a team member.
• Ability to attend training and conduct staff training.
• Ability to work varying, flexible, and extended hours; regular, consistent attendance; and availability by phone 24 hours per day.
• Ability to perform primarily sedentary indoor office work, sit for extended periods, use near vision to read, communicate in person and by phone, and perform frequent repetitive keyboarding and other desktop tasks.
• Must complete a judicial questionnaire if selected for an interview, submit a legal writing sample, and provide at least five employment references.
• Must pass an extensive criminal background inquiry and maintain required clearance throughout employment.
• Must have no pending disciplinary actions before a state or tribal bar association, no finding of dishonesty in any court, no felony conviction or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and no judicial or bar ethics findings.
• Must notify the immediate supervisor within 72 hours of non-work-related involvement with law enforcement.
• Work history must demonstrate compliance with attorney ethical obligations, including competence, diligence, loyalty, honesty, and confidentiality.
• Must reside on or near the Colville Indian Reservation or be willing to relocate.
• Must satisfy the Colville Business Council that they are, or can become, familiar with the Confederated Tribes' laws and Constitution and the basic principles of federal Indian law and tribal sovereignty.

Nice To Haves

• Prior successful judicial experience.
• Background in criminal and civil law litigation.
• Practice in a Tribal Court setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Colville Tribes community and its people, including Tribal law, customs, and traditions.

Responsibilities

• Preside over criminal, civil, and family law cases as appointed by the Chief Judge.
• Manage and preside over a busy court docket professionally, carefully, and efficiently.
• Conduct legal research and write legal opinions in a timely manner.
• Issue decisions expeditiously using legal research and existing knowledge.
• Work effectively with courts of other jurisdictions, Tribal legal offices and representatives, Tribal officials, external customers, and the public.
• Attend training sessions and conduct staff training.
• Analyze information and data and make recommendations for amending or adopting laws to improve the legal and judicial system.
• Maintain the confidentiality of private and sensitive information.
• Be available by phone 24 hours per day for requests involving extradition warrants, search warrants, and other immediate orders.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time employees.
• 401(k) with employer contributions.
• Short- and long-term disability for full-time employees.
• Paid holidays, sick leave, and annual leave for full-time and part-time employees.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree