Chief Judge

Overview
The Chief Judge of the Tribal Court has a high degree of personal responsibility for sound, independent judgement and for decisions concerning the total scope of the Tribal Court Program.

Position Summary

Serves as the Chief Judge for the court established and recognized by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes in accordance with the Law and Order Code. The Chief Judge serves by appointment of the Wind River Inter-Tribal Council for a term not to exceed four (4) years, as set forth in the Law and Order Code.

The Chief Judge shall be paid the same rate as a G-12 in the General Schedule Federal System ad the position will be on a full-time and permanent basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The Chief Judge shall be responsible for conducting civil case hearings before the court, including contracts and tort cases, except when the Chief Judge is required to recuse him/herself or is disqualified from hearing a case for cause.
• The Chief Judge shall hear criminal arraignments, trials, and juvenile hearings.
• The Chief Judge administers the operation of the Tribal Judiciary including the assignments of cases and the management of the courts calendar and business.
• The Chief Judge shall coordinate relationships contacts with federal, state, county and local authorities on court related matters.
• Issues or directs issuance of court documents, subpoenas, warrants, summons, writs, judgement, decrees and other legal documents relating to the courts.
• Performs marriage ceremonies and solemnizes marriages.
• Administer oaths of office in all cases when a judge of the Tribal Court is permitted to act.
• Take acknowledgements and depositions.
• Sets bonds, accepts please and imposes sentences.
• Appoints counsel where appropriate.
• Preserve and enforce order in his/her is engaged in the performance of his/her official duty.
• Compel obedience to his/her lawful orders.
• Administer oaths to person in proceedings before him/her powers and duties.
• Punish for contempt of court to assure the effectual exercise of these powers.
• Will administer an examination of those applying for a license to practice in the court.
• Chief Judge will sit as Appellate Judge.

Supervisory Responsibility

Is responsible for the supervision of (1) Associate Judge, one (1) Associate/ Appellate Judge and one (1) Court Administrator.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/ or ability required.

Education and Experience
Must have a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and be a member in good standing with a state bar association. The successful candidate will be expected to obtain licensed in the State f Wyoming, within one (1) year of hiring. Must be licensed or have the ability to be licensed in the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Court within thirty (30) days of hire.

Must have experience with tribal courts and the enforcement of laws. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience in writing a variant of court related documents. Must have knowledge and understanding of courtroom procedures.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups and/or board of directors.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and extensive variety of technical instructions in legal, mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract concrete variables. Advanced knowledge of civil law, criminal law, juvenile law, and the Shoshone and Arapaho Law and Order Code, ordinances, rules, precedents and relationships affecting jurisdiction on criminal, civil and juvenile cases in Indian country.

Knowledge of tribal customs, traditions and ordinances and to be able to protect the sovereignty and customs of the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes and protect the rights of the people

To Apply: Persons interested in the position should submit a Wind River Inter-Tribal Employment Application and resume to the Human Resources Office located at 15 N Fork Road, Fort Washakie WY 82514 or email HR@writc.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44.44 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person