The Chief Judge will supervise, assign court calendars or cases, and evaluate Associate Judges, hear court cases at the Muckleshoot Tribal Court, using the Tribe’s applicable Codes and Ordinances, adjudicating matters and entering decisions on the record and/or in writing. Assist the Tribal Court staff with suggestions on how to improve the functions of the Tribal Court. Engage in tribal or community events on behalf of the Tribal Court with the goal of building relationships. Abide by all applicable Tribal codes in addition to WA State Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs).

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

1. The Chief Tribal Judge is responsible for presiding over all cases before the Tribal Court.
2. Complete all oral and/or written court rulings in a timely fashion for each court hearing as needed.
3. Assign duties to court employees as needed.
4. Assign duties to the Associate Judge(s) as needed.
5. Be professional at all times.
6. Reflect proper decorum and respect for all persons before the court.
7. Participate in work groups to enhance the judicial system of the Tribe.
8. Ensure litigants are able to access the court’s services including the appointment of counsel.
9. Facilitate the development of alternative dispute resolutions.
10. Manage special projects as assigned by the Law and Order Committee.
11. Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures consistent with the Tribe’s culture, norms, traditions, and values.
12. Provide input in office meetings on how to make the court calendars more efficient.
13. Learn computer software to access electronic court records or other office systems.
14. Evaluate the performance of Associate Judge(s) on a yearly basis.
15. Periodically reviews Tribe’s Codes regarding Tribal Court administration and recommends changes, if needed.
16. Be available all hours of the day to address search warrant requests made by law enforcement.
17. Other duties as assigned.
18. Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

Education: Possesses a Juris Doctor degree from a Nationally Accredited law school as determined by the ABA (required).

Minimum Related Experience:

1. Five years as a licensed practicing attorney is required.
2. Two years of trial experience is required.
3. Two years of jury trials is preferred.
4. Two years of experience working in a therapeutic court or diversion program is preferred.
5. Five years of experience working on tribal law matters is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY:

1. An enrolled member of a Federally-recognized tribe.
2. At least 25 years of age.
3. A valid Washington State driver’s license with no restrictions.
4. Graduate from a nationally accredited law school as determined by the American Bar Association (ABA).
5. Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington or licensed in another jurisdiction and must obtain a Washington license to practice law within 90 days of employment.
6. No disciplinary actions by any Federal, State, or bar association.
7. No felony convictions in any Federal, State, or Tribal court.
8. No misdemeanor convictions within the last 5 years in any Federal, State, or Tribal court.
9. No pending criminal charges of any kind.
10. No convictions for crimes of dishonesty.
11. Be of high moral character.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of civil, criminal, and Tribal law.
• Knowledge of historical issues that impacted Tribes based on colonization and historical trauma.
• Knowledge of Washington State’s RPC’s.
• Ability to attend the required CLE’s necessary to maintain the WSBA license requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as required by WA RPCs or for sealed juvenile or child welfare cases.
• Knowledge of or experience in the development of wellness or diversion courts.
• Knowledge of or experience in child welfare cases and the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Knowledge of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Skill in use of office equipment, computers, and software programs such as Outlook, Word, etc.
• Ability to attend other trainings deemed necessary or important by the Tribe such as safety training, de-escalation training, etc.
• Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and train employees to achieve individual, department, and tribal goals.

The working conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this class. 

Must be able to frequently sit, stand, walk, balance, bend, and use manual dexterity. Will continuously speak, hear, and observe litigants.  Primarily work indoors but may occasionally work with excessive noise and be exposed to weather conditions.  Will occasionally, lift, carry, climb, kneel, crawl, reach, and grasp.