Tribal Court Chief Judge

Tribal Court Chief Judge - San Manuel Tribal Court The Chief Judge serves as the chief administrator of both the trial and appellate courts and the Chief Judge of the trial court.  The Chief Judge is responsible for assisting the Tribe with the continued development of the San Manuel Tribal Court, fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the San Manuel Tribal Court pursuant to San Manuel Tribal law, carrying out the administrative operations of the Tribal Court, and supervising the Tribal Court and its employees, including case management and the timeliness of decisions.  The Chief Judge will be retained on a contract basis initially until the Tribe determines that full-time retention is necessary. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Adheres to and upholds the laws, policies and procedures of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the San Manuel Tribal Court system.  2. Serves as chief administrator for both trial and appellate level courts.  In consultation with the Judiciary Committee, prepares budgets for approval by the General Council.  Authorizes and monitors all revenue and expenses.  Responsible for the hiring, supervision and training of all court administrative staff in conjunction with Human Resources and the Judiciary Committee.  Monitors the timeliness of judicial decisions and ensures efficiency of the judicial system by effective caseload management.  Compiles and submits all departmental reports as required. 3. Chairs meetings of the Tribal Court judges and administrative staff and participates in Judiciary Committee meetings.  Acts as liaison between the judges, court staff, the Judiciary Committee, General Council and other tribal governmental entities and departments.  4.   Creates educational initiatives, including conferences and written informational materials to improve understanding of court processes and access to the justice system.  In conjunction with the Judiciary Committee, establishes and maintains contacts within the San Manuel community and provides educational opportunities regarding San Manuel tribal law and the court. 5. Serves as an advocate for the San Manuel Tribal Court System within the tribal structure, regionally, and on a national level.  Is willing to participate in the National American Indian Court Judges Association.  Keeps the Judiciary Committee, General Council and other appropriate tribal entities and departments informed of federal and national events of potential impact on tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction and/or the operation of the tribal justice system. 6. In conjunction with the Judiciary Committee, assists in the review, preparation, and amendment of rules of court, any relevant rules of procedure, and other rules and regulations deemed necessary for the smooth operation of the Tribal Court.  The Chief Judge will also make recommendations to the Judiciary Committee and General Council for the amendment or adoption of laws to improve the judicial system. 7. All other necessary duties associated with the establishment of a tribal court.  Such duties include, but are not limited to, establishing alternative dispute resolution procedures, facilitating cross-jurisdictional agreements for the recognition and enforcement of state and tribal court orders, developing rules governing admission to practice before the tribal court, and consulting with the Judiciary Committee and the General Council regarding other intergovernmental agreements regarding the use, operation, or improvement of the tribal court. Preferred Education and/or Experience: 1. Doctoral degree or equivalent; or2. At least 10 years of related experience and/or training; or3. A combination of relevant education and experience. Preferred Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: 1. Knowledge of tribal, federal and state laws, ordinances, and regulations that may effect the resolution of disputes in tribal court. 2. Knowledge of legal practices and standards in court procedures. 3. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with tribal officials, employees, and the general public. 4. Experience or education should include familiarity with federal Indian law general litigation experience, and training or experience in court administration. 5. Excellent oral and written communication skills. 6. Ability to deal well with people in highly emotional and adversarial situations. 7. Administrative skills include management, budgeting, and supervision of employees and court facilities. 8. Attention to detail.  Strong organizational and time management capabilities.  Able to prioritize and adjust to meet court system objectives.  Able to function independently as well as cooperatively in a team setting.   9. Ability to discern legal issues, define problems, collect data, establish facts and raw valid legal conclusions and develop timely solutions.  Ability to interpret and follow tribal law and court procedures.  Ability to think and write in clear and logical terms. Requirements In accordance with the provisions of the San Manuel Judicial Code, the Chief Judge: 1. Must be a United States citizen;2. Must be at least 35 years of age;3. Never have been convicted or found guilty of a felony, or convicted or found guilty of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude within the preceding five years;4. Be of high moral character and mentally sound;5. Satisfactorily demonstrate a working knowledge of the Indian Law concepts set forth in the attached questionnaire; and6. Must have successfully completed a court training session or equivalent within two years before the appointment date. Preference will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following:  member or a descendant of a recognized Indian tribe, significant judicial experience, and significant Indian law experience.   Submit your resume or CV by email to: dalbaugh@sanmanuel.com  OR:Debbie AlbaughRecruiting ManagerSan Manuel Human Resources3246 N. VictoriaHighland, CA  92346 FAX: 909-862-2720 In addition to an exciting career and supportive environment, The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians offers a comprehensive benefits package to our full-time as well as part-time employees. Medical, Dental and Life Insurance American Specialty Health Chiropractic/Acupunture 401(k) program eligibility immediately upon hire Paid Holiday, Vacation and Sick leave Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Recognition Programs Company Picnic and Winter Holiday Party Tuition Reimbursement Program Discount on Casino Entertainment Employee discount cards to local merchants. JOB TITLE: Tribal Court Chief Judge LOCATION: Highland, CA 92346 SALARY / WAGE: Contract position, Salary depending on experience JOB CATEGORY: Other RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE: 10+ to 15 Years COMPANY: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians