Govt. Chief Judge - Tribal Court

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Judge is responsible for and oversees the administration of justice in the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribal Court, the overall organization and administration of the Tribal Court and all of the programs operated by the Court. The Chief Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding matters pursuant to the Sault Tribe Code.                                                                     

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Oversees the administration of the Tribal Court, including management of operations, planning and submission of annual budgets, and the maintenance of records and case files.
• Oversees, directs, plans, and implements departmental processes, policies, procedures, objectives, and activities to ensure continuing operations and efficient operation of the Court.
• Oversees and monitors all personnel management activities, human resource processes, job restructuring and corrective action plans, hiring, firing, monitoring and evaluation of performance, approves leave and assigns and delegates responsibilities.
• Presides over all cases, civil and criminal that arise under the jurisdiction of the Tribal Court and makes all rulings pursuant to Sault Tribe Code from case opening through final resolution.
• Conducts legal research necessary to preside over all cases in the Tribal Court, applies tribal law to pending cases, and composes written opinions, decisions, and orders.
• Oversees the writing, acquisition of, administration of, and monitoring of grants related to the tribal justice system, and in conjunction with various programs. 
• Represent the Sault Tribe, at the direction of the Board of Directors, at meetings, conferences, and forums and maintains ongoing relationships and cooperation with counterparts at the Tribal, State, and Federal levels.
• Give written and verbal reports to the Board of Directors as directed.           

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Negotiating or renegotiating court contracts for Board of Directors approval.                                 
• Establishes rules of legal procedure, for Board of Directors approval on questions for which standard procedures have not been established by law or by a superior court.                       
• Advises the Board of Directors on direction for tribal justice system planning.                               
• Facilitates the development and use of alternative and informal dispute resolution procedures.
• Demonstrate sound judicial judgment and professional court room decorum.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.                                                             

CONTACTS:           

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, executives, Board of Directors, customers, outside vendor/service providers, Federal, State and Tribal judges; Federal, State, and Tribal Law Enforcement officers, attorneys, lay advocates, and persons appearing before the court including government officials, plaintiffs, defendants, and witnesses.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position sedentary primarily sitting/lifting a maximum of 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision; frequent standing, walking, sitting, typing and occasional carrying/lifting, pushing, reaching and manual handling, driving and bending. Working conditions include constant exposure to air quality; frequent exposure to noise and occasional exposure to weather, extreme cold and wet/humidity.  Potential hazards include constant computer use, frequent equipment use and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, electric shock, chemicals, insecticides/pesticides and patient/client contact. Protective equipment/clothing needed to perform job provided.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:  Juris Doctorate Degree required.

Experience:    Minimum of 5 years of total experience as an attorney in legal practice required, with at least 2 of those 5 years’ experience with Tribal Courts, Tribal Law or Federal Indian Law. Knowledge of Sault Tribe law, federal and state law, and knowledge of Tribal Sovereignty, Tribal Treaty Rights, Federal Indian Law, and any amendments and any case law interpreting such acts preferred.

Certification/License: Licensed attorney in good standing with any State Bar Association.  Must be a member of the Michigan Bar Association or able to become a member within the first year of hire. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department.  May be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.                                  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of mission, organization plan, funding sources, laws, regulations and requirements of department required. Knowledge of fundamental subjects in law, legal research, civil & criminal court rules, and courtroom procedures required. Knowledge of research techniques and applicable sources, advanced problem-solving and analytical skills required.  Knowledge of governmental accounting required.  Knowledge of grant administration, documentation and reporting formats required.  Excellent organization, strategic planning, project management and governmental administration skills required. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions required. Strong oral and written communication skills required. Financial administration and management skills required.  Research abilities required. Supervisory experience and excellent human resource management and leadership skills and abilities required. Excellent dispute resolution skills required. Must be able to maintain self-discipline and objectivity. Ability to engage in public speaking and presentations, conduct informal and formation meetings required. Must be able to maintain tact and dignity under stress. Must be able to work in a changing, dynamic, fast-paced environment.  Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.

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