Courtesy Associate Judge

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation • Toppenish, WA

3d

About The Position

The Associate Judge presides over cases before the Yakama Tribal Courts, including Adult, Juvenile, and/or Appellate Courts. The judge interprets and applies applicable tribal laws in accordance with the Revised Yakama Codes (RYC), Tribal Council resolutions, other duly enacted laws, Yakama customs and traditions, and appellate legal precedent. The judge issues writs, orders, decrees, judgments, opinions, and legal memorandums necessary to exercise the powers prescribed in the RYC.

The Associate Judge is supervised by the Chief Judge, who is responsible for ensuring the proper discharge of judicial responsibilities, including prompt disposition of matters. The judge may be delegated authority to supervise fellow judges at the Chief Judge’s request. The position is a four-year appointment by Tribal Council Resolution. Compensation is determined by the Yakama Tribal Council under RYC 2.02.01(4). Travel may be required. Judges are subject to applicable judicial conduct requirements, the RYC, and established budget, travel, property, and leave policies for accountability and audit purposes.

Requirements

• Membership or enrollment in the Yakama Nation or another Indian Nation within the United States.
• Must never have been convicted of a felony.
• Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor within one year of appointment.
• Completion of twelve years of education or a GED.
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation customs, traditions, and laws.
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, organizational structure, communication channels, operating manuals, and tribal directives, as well as applicable federal law.
• Knowledge of the Yakama Law & Order Code and state and federal laws, including the Indian Child Welfare Act and Indian Civil Rights Act as they apply to juveniles on the Yakama Reservation.
• Knowledge of legal practices and standards in the Yakama Nation Children's Court, Adult Court, and Court of Appeals.
• Ability to conduct and comprehend complex legal and traditional-law research and apply legal research.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to interpret laws and explain court findings.
• Ability to make independent and decisive judgments by weighing the facts and issuing clear, swift, fair, and impartial decisions.
• Ability to work within established policies, rules, procedures, and lines of authority.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and interpersonal relations, including with children, parents, custodians, attorneys, court personnel, and other judges.
• Ability to work under stressful, fast-paced conditions and maintain good morals and temperate habits.
• Ability to maintain good attendance and demonstrate good writing skills.
• Must be of good moral character and temperance, with high ethical and personal standards, and take an Oath of Office.
• Must have good health based on the nature of the work and stress involved in decision-making.
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations involving juveniles and their families.
• Must comply with pre-appointment and random drug testing per T-121-22.
• Candidates may be required to complete a writing exercise upon request.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from an accredited law school, graduate school, or completion of a bachelor's degree; these are encouraged but not required.
• Legal or related work experience or education is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Preside over cases brought before the Tribal Courts, including Adult, Juvenile, and/or Appellate Courts.
• Interpret and apply applicable Yakama Nation laws, federal laws, tribal resolutions, customs, traditions, and appellate legal precedent.
• Issue writs, orders, decrees, judgments, opinions, and legal memorandums necessary to exercise judicial powers prescribed in the RYC.
• Conduct legal and traditional-law research and render fair, timely, consistent, logical, and impartial decisions based on law, facts, procedures, rules, and circumstances.
• Maintain judicial demeanor and comply with applicable judicial conduct expectations, the Oath of Office, and rules or policies established by Yakama government leadership.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Chief Judge, judicial colleagues, court staff, tribal programs and employees, public agencies, law enforcement, attorneys, and members of the public.
• De-escalate volatile situations involving juveniles and their families.
• May supervise fellow judges when delegated authority by the Chief Judge.
• Comply with established budget, travel, property, and leave policies for accountability and audit purposes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED