Chief Trial Judge

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Chief Trial Judge DEPARTMENT: Sac & Fox Tribal Court

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SUMMARY: The Chief Trial Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial cases and matters at the Trial Court level within the jurisdiction of the Sac and Fox Tribal Court pursuant to the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa tribal laws, codes, rules and regulations. The Chief Trial Judge is also responsible for the administration of the Trial Court staff and program functioning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Exercise administrative supervision over the Trial Court and Judges thereof, including supervision of budget, staffing and administrative decision-making;
• Faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office;
• Support the Constitution, By-laws and laws of the Tribe;
• Is patient, dignified and courteous to those appearing before him/her or those the Judge deals with in the capacity as a Judge and shall require similar conduct of court officials subject to the Judge's direction and control;
• Accord every person in a proceeding the right to be heard in accordance with the law;
• Observe and maintain high standards of conduct so that the integrity of the Tribal Court will be preserved and regulate extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of conflict with judicial duties;
• Preside as Chief Judge over all cases filed in the Tribal Court, including but not limited to: Criminal, Civil (e.g. domestic relations, repossession, breach of contract, damages, and small claims), and Children's Court cases (delinquency, neglect and dependency), and such other cases;
• Issue administrative orders, search and seizure warrants, arrest warrants, orders of protection, final orders, judgments, decisions, and all other lawful orders of the Court promptly, efficiently, and fairly;
• Administer oaths and affirmations;
• Direct or authorize development of court rules of procedure and court policies and court forms;
• Directs the preparation of reports on court activities, including the development of an annual budget, identifying and assisting in the preparation and submission of grants and requests for needed funds and resources for the operation of the Judiciary;
• Develop judicial institutions and judicial tools which reflect the Tribe's culture, traditions, and values;
• Organize training, staff meetings, and other meetings with tribal government and other entities;
• Adopt short and long range strategic plans to assure the Court's contribution to the Tribe's overall plan and strategies, including organizational plans; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Chief Justice, as required by Title 5 of the Code of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa ("Dispute Resolution Code").

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrate oral, written, and analytical skills commensurate with the position of Chief Judge
• Ability to complete written legal opinions demonstrating proper legal analysis and efficient legal writing skills, including proper legal citation
• Knowledge of general legal principles in all areas listed in Duties and Responsibilities
• Knowledge of federal Indian law
• Knowledge or willingness to learn the Tribal Code of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, including custom and tradition
• Knowledge of common court and trial procedures, including jury trial procedures
• Knowledge of courtroom management skills and case management skills
• Must be willing to attend judicial skills training
• Must be able to work in a properly collegial relationship with co-workers and be able to interact with other departments within the Tribe in the spirit of cooperation and compromise
• Must be able to take on additional responsibilities in the spirit of cooperation and teamwork
• Must be able to maintain an atmosphere of trust, fairness and respect and be mutually supportive with co-workers
• Must understand, appreciate, and promote the ideas of tribal self-determination and tribal sovereignty
• Must understand, appreciate, and promote tribal governments and Native American people
• Perform quality and efficient legal research on matters before the Court

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an applicant, in addition to any other qualifications the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa Tribal Council may set, must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school with at least five years of judge or attorney experience.
• Be a member of good standing with any state bar and admitted or eligible for admission to practice law in Iowa, and admitted or eligible for admission to practice in the Meskwaki Tribal Court;
• Must be at least 25 years of age;
• Must be a person of honor and of good character;
• Must be law abiding;
• A Judge shall not:
• Have pled guilty, nolo contendere, no contest, or been convicted of any felony or other crime of moral turpitude;
• Have pled guilty, nolo contendere, no contest, or been convicted of any misdemeanor, except minor traffic violations, within one year immediately preceding the appointment;
• Had the right to practice law before any court or other tribunal revoked or otherwise been disciplined by any court or other tribunal before which he/she has appeared; or
• Also be the Clerk of Court or assistant thereto, a member of the staff of the Tribal Court, or a member of the Tribal Council during his/her term as Judge.

SUPERVISION

The Chief Judge shall be supervised by the Chief Justice of the Appellate Court.

POSITION STATUS

Regular Full-Time (This position is appointed by the Tribal Council for a 4 year term)

SALARY

Depending on qualifications

OTHER

As part of the initial materials submitted for the Chief Judge position, please be sure to include a resume, brief cover letter, and (3) writing samples.