Associate Judge - Zuni Tribal Courts (Open Until Filled)

ASSOCIATE JUDGE

APPOINTED (CONTRACTUAL)

EXEMPT - LEVEL 14

SALARY: $35.61

GENERAL DEFINITION: The primary responsibility of the Associate Judge will be to adjudicate complex cases, interpret laws in accordance with the Zuni Tribal Constitution and Zuni Tribal Code, and uphold fair and ethical administration of justice. Additionally, the Associate Judge supports the Chief Judge in maintaining the efficiency and integrity of the judicial process.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Tribal Judge.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: In the absence of the Chief Tribal Judge, the Associate Judge serves as Acting Chief Judge. When delegated, the Associate Judge supervises Court Clerks, Bailiffs, Probation Officers, and other court staff as assigned.

DUTIES:

Interprets laws in compliance with the Zuni Tribal Constitution and Zuni Tribal Code.

• Research cases to be heard before the Zuni Tribal Courts to determine relevant facts and applicable laws upon which to base decisions.
• Reviews petitions, motions, legal briefs, and other documents submitted by the parties.
• Maintains awareness of state and federal laws pertinent to tribal courts.
• Ensures familiarity with state and federal laws relevant to tribal courts, as well as administrative orders, to maintain effective judicial decision-making.
• Maintains awareness of decisions rendered by the Southwest Intertribal Court of Appeals.

Presides over various types of hearings and trials across multiple legal issues.

• Adjudicates assigned cases – including civil, criminal, domestic relations, adoption, child welfare, probate, and other matters arising under the Zuni Tribal Code and the court's jurisdiction.
• Conduct hearings, trials, and other judicial proceedings in a fair, impartial, and efficient manner.
• Collaborates with fellow judges to manage the court’s docket, ensuring the opportunity to preside over various legal matters on an annual rotational basis.
• Ensure that all parties in legal proceedings are afforded due process and fair treatment.
• Maintains proper order, respect, and decorum during court proceedings.
• Listens to presentations of cases, rules on admissibility of evidence and methods of testimony, and resolves disputes between opposing attorneys or parties.
• Reviews allegations, evidence, and testimony in cases to ensure thorough consideration of all factors.
• Render written decisions, opinions, and orders based on the facts and applicable law.
• Mediates disputes in civil and criminal cases in a pre-trial setting, as appropriate.
• Conduct preliminary hearings and arraignments to determine whether there is reasonable and probable cause to proceed with further legal action or extradition.
• Renders judgments and develops resolutions, including sentences that comply with the Tribal Code or Federal Law.
• Signs and issues bench warrants and other warrants upon receipt of affidavits demonstrating probable cause.
• Orders and refers all offenders (adult and juvenile) to the appropriate service providers.
• Tracks statistics and dispositions for the court’s docket, assists in preparing yearly reports for the Judicial Department and supports data collection and documentation necessary for grant reporting and compliance.

Serves in various judicial capacities as necessary or as docketed.

• Performs civil judicial duties such as officiating marriages and administering oaths of office to public officials.
• Represents the Judicial Department at meetings and conferences delegated by the Chief Judge.
• Attends hearings in state court when they pertain to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Zuni children and participates in judicial conferences with state judges regarding ICWA and the transfer of state cases to Zuni Tribal Court.

Performs related judicial duties as required.

• Participates in seminars, workshops, and training sessions to stay current with changes in case law and statutory developments.
• Ensures ongoing professional development by participating in training programs within the Judicial Branch budget.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with tribal, county, state, and federal officials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Comprehensive knowledge of judicial procedures, the Zuni Tribal Constitution, Tribal Codes, Federal and State Laws, ordinances and regulations that affect the Pueblo of Zuni Tribal Court. Familiarity with courtroom procedures, rules of evidence, and trial advocacy techniques. Ability to analyze legal issues, define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw impartial, culturally informed conclusions and develop timely solutions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a preference for fluency in Zuni and English. Ability to Prioritize and adjust to meet court system objectives and have the ability to function independently, as well as cooperatively in a team setting. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with court staff, tribal officials, and the community. Proficiency in legal research, courtroom management, and case documentation using modern technology. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to effectively evaluate complex legal issues and render sound judgments. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, impartiality, and justice in all judicial proceedings. Ability to maintain cultural sensitivity to Zuni traditional customs and beliefs and recognition of cultural differences. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Must be able to establish and maintain good working relationships with Tribal Council, tribal employees, other agencies, and the general public.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university is preferred for non-Zuni candidates. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in law is required for Zuni Tribal Members with at least two (2) years of experience in both civil and criminal jurisdiction OR an Associate’s Degree in a legal field with at least five (5) years of experience in both civil and criminal jurisdiction. Experience practicing law, preferably focusing on tribal law or related areas such as Indian law.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least thirty (30) years old pursuant to Zuni Tribal Constitution, Article XIV.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES: Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver’s License with no DWI/DUI convictions within the past three (3) years. Driving is not an essential part of the duties. Must not have any felony or misdemeanor convictions particularly involving dishonesty or moral turpitude nor ever been disbarred from any jurisdiction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, etc. Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office. Must have ability to sit in a courtroom setting for extended periods of time.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS: This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing. This position is Safety Sensitive and will be subject to random drug screening for duration of employment. Must pass a comprehensive character background check including FBI Fingerprints. Subject to 24-hour on-call duty, including weekends and holidays. Must be able to handle high-pressure situations and stressful judicial proceedings. Regular interaction with tribal, county, state, and federal officials, as well as community members and court personnel.

ELEVATED RESPONSIBILITIES: The Associate Judge is expected to serve as a key advisor and partner to the Tribal Chief Judge in advancing the long-term vision of the Zuni Tribal Courts. This position plays a critical role in ensuring judicial excellence, promoting culturally appropriate legal practices, and upholding the principles of tribal sovereignty. As a judicial leader, the Associate Judge contributes to policy development, strategic planning, and the overall improvement of the judicial branch to serve the Zuni community better.

THIS IS AN APPOINTED POSITION: The Associate Judge is selected by the Zuni Tribal Council and serves under a contractual agreement for a six (6) year term, subject to a one (1) year probationary period.