Chief Judge

Hualapai Tribe•Peach Springs, AZ

8d•$118,000 - $178,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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
Any person shall be eligible to serve as Chief Judge whether or not he/she is a resident of the Hualapai reservation.
Must be 21 years of age possess an educational background sufficient to effectively communicate legal concepts and skills in a Native American Tribal Court setting
A familiarity with the various Native American customs and traditions as it effects the criminal justice system in a Native setting
Knowledge of the Hualapai Law and Order Code, Indian Civil Rights Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, and other ordinances adopted by the Hualapai Tribe.
Knowledge of Federal, State and Tribal Court procedures which may be useful in hearings and deciding cases.
Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or G.E.D AND a minimum of three years of experience in a law related field.
Must possess better than overage oral and written communication skills.
Able to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to understand and analyze legal issues, principles and doctrines in order to decide cases and controversies.
A minimum of three years of responsible leadership experience in management or supervisory positions.
Has not been convicted of a serious misdemeanor within one (1) year of the date of application, committed on the Reservation or in another jurisdiction.
Knowledge of Court procedures and analytical techniques and procedures.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass an MVR check and criminal background check.
Submit to and pass a pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screening.
Must have substantial experience in grant writing and grant management, Education, experience and skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of basic economics, budgeting, and accounting principles and practices.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource to the court staff in order to provide leadership and direction.
Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
Oversees the administration of the Judicial Branch, which includes the management of operations, budget planning, and submits annual judicial reports to Tribal Council and funding agencies.
Exercises independent professional judgment in deciding cases and controversies filed properly before the Tribal Court.
Oversees the administration of the Judicial Branch, which includes the management of operations, budget planning, revision or implementation of court policies.
Supervises the work of the Associate Judge(s) and court staff, counsels staff regarding matter of policy and practices as well as offer suggestions and corrections.
Issues warrants of arrest, bench warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, court orders (including formal orders per court of appeals), judgments, commitments and other legal documents as necessary.
Presides over all cases Civil, Juvenile, criminal cases and other matters arising and applicable to the Hualapai Tribe’s Law and Order Code.
Assist is developing court procedures, forms and tribal codes.
Maintains professional education and interaction at meetings/conferences to keep abreast of changes in requirements which affect the Tribe and the current trends in the legal field.
Represents the Judicial system before the Tribal Council, Local, County, State and Federal agencies and National meetings.
Attend Tribal Court Management, judicial skills, substantive and procedural legal training and other tribal conferences or training.

Benefits

Employer-provided health coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
Pension plan & 401(k) with 5% employer contributions
Generous PTO & Flexible working hours where applicable
Relocation allowance for eligible candidates
Salary packaging options
Fitness and wellness incentives to promote a healthy lifestyle
Professional development opportunities to support career growth
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Access to employee transportation, gas mileage reimbursement, & travel/flight allowance (if travel is required)
A workplace built on community and collaboration, with opportunities to connect through events like Cooking With Rosemary workshops, Valentine’s Day 5K runs, and the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA)