Chief Tribal Judge
The Chief Judge is chief judicial officer of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Court, the trial court of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. The Chief Judge is appointed to a four-year term by the Lower Elwha Business Council, the elected governing body of the Tribe. This position is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Lower Elwha Tribal Court pursuant to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Judicial Code, ordinances, regulations and applicable Federal and local laws. The Chief Judge conducts hearings and trials and performs other judicial duties, including presiding over proceedings of the Tribe’s traditionally focused Healing Court. The Chief Judge is also the administrative supervisor of all Tribal Court personnel and as such is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe’s trial-court-level judicial system and for proper administration of justice. The Chief Judge has no direct authority over the Lower Elwha Court of Appeals, which consists of contract Justices appointed by the Business Council.
JOB TITLE: Chief Judge
CLASS: Business Council Appointed
SALARY: D.O.Q
OPENING DATE: June 16, 2015
CLOSING DATE: Until filled
SPECIAL NOTE: The Tribe intends to fill this position with a part-time contract employee, without benefits, because the caseload and associated administrative duties do not justify a full-time staff position. The Tribe desires to develop the Court to a level of activity where the Chief Judge will become a full-time staff position. An ability to lead the Court toward this goal will be an important factor in the selection process. In addition, the Tribe may propose an interim contract of six months before making a formal four-year appointment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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Oversees the administration of the Judicial Branch, which includes the management of operations, budget planning, and submits annual judicial budget to Business Council and funding agencies.
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Exercises independent professional judgment in deciding cases and controversies filed properly before the Tribal Court.
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Oversees Associate and Pro Tem judges and supervises the Court Clerk and Court Director.
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Issues warrants, subpoenas, judgments, commitments and other legal orders, opinions, and documents as necessary.
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Presides over all cases civil, juvenile, criminal cases and other matters arising under the Tribe’s codes and ordinances, including Healing Court and potentially other alternative, traditional, or restorative approaches to resolution of cases.
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Develops, or assists in developing, and implements court policy and procedures, forms, and tribal codes.
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Maintains professional education and interaction at meetings/conferences to stay current with changes in the law and current trends.
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Represents the Judicial system before the Tribal Council, Local, County, State and Federal agencies and National meetings.
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Oversees Court Director and works with Court Director to develop, administer, monitor, and effectively manage the judicial budget.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
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Section 1.8 of the Lower Elwha Judicial Code provides that any Judge must be: a) at least 21 years old; (b) of good moral character; (c) able to read and write English well; (d) knowledgeable of tribal law, customs, and traditions, or willing to become knowledgeable; and (e) trained in or willing to undergo training in law and legal procedures. The Chief Judge need not be a member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe but preference will be given to those who are a member of a tribe or have lived in a tribal community. A copy of the Judicial Code is available with the application for this position.
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Knowledge of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Constitution and Code, Indian Civil Rights Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, and other ordinances adopted by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
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Knowledge of Federal, State and Tribal Court procedures which may be useful in hearings and deciding cases.
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Must possess a J.D. degree and be a member in good standing of a state or tribal bar.
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Minimum four years’ judicial experience, but will also consider experience in the practice of law, preferably at the trial court level, or other law-related field that demonstrates strong potential for judicial decision-making.
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Must have demonstrated experience in exercising sound professional judgment without bias or favoritism.
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Must possess strong oral and written communication skills. A writing sample that displays critical analytical and decision-making skills must be submitted as a crucial element of the application.
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Ability to understand and analyze legal issues, principles and doctrines in order to decide cases and controversies.
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Able to understand and maintain confidentiality of communications.
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Must have experience in management and an understanding of basic office skills.
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Ability to work cordially and effectively with staff and the public, including under stressful situations.
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Must be dependable and trustworthy.
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Must be computer literate and capable of performing internet research
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Must pass a background check and never have been convicted of a felony, as well as having no conviction of a serious misdemeanor within the previous four years.
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Must have a valid driver’s license.
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Submit to and pass a pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screening.
As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this position is Indian Preference eligible, in accordance with P.L. 93-638.
Human Resources Manager
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
2851 Lower Elwha Road
Port Angeles, WA 98363
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