Tribal Court - Associate Judge

at  Puyallup Tribe of Indians

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Serve as a judge for the Puyallup Tribal Court and the Children’s Court. The judge must preside over cases with a servant’s heart, applying Puyallup Tribal Codes to cases, while recognizing Puyallup customs and traditions in decision making. The term of the Associate Judge shall be three (3) years from the date of appointment by the Tribal Council. A judge may be reappointed at the expiration of a term in the discretion of the Tribal Council.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Juris Doctorate degree and extensive experience in Tribal Law; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience in writing a variety 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 boards of directors.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in legal, mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables

Other Skills and Abilities

• To be eligible to serve as a judge of the Tribal Court, a person must:

(1) Be over the age of 28 years;
(2) Hold a Juris Doctorate and hold membership to a state bar; and

(3) Not have been convicted of an offense involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.

• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Knowledge of Tribal and federal laws applicable to the Tribal Court.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of courtroom procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Hear cases brought before the Court, including, but not limited to criminal, civil, fishing, hunting, youth dependency, traffic, housing, gaming, employment and all domestic violence related cases.
2. Prepare and issue necessary written orders, findings of fact and conclusion of law, judgment orders and opinions, applying Puyallup Tribal Codes and in a timely manner.
3. Provide legal research and writing when necessary for a decision in a case, and do this in a timely manner.
4. Be available 24/7 to issue search warrants and other emergency orders.
5. Manage special projects assigned by the Chief Judge.
6. Regularly meet with the Chief Judge, Associate Judges, and Judicial Law Clerk.
7. Participate in working groups to enhance the judicial system of the Court.
8. Assist the Court Clerks with the process and maintenance of court filings and hearings, assuring the Community has quick, easy, and affordable access to justice.
9. Participate in trainings to improve skills applicable to the functions of a judge.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

7. After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission.

• Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic