Associate Tribal Judge

poarchbandofcreekindians; Atmore (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Poarch Creek Indians seeks an Associate Tribal Judge to preside over Healing to Wellness Court cases and Family law matters in alignment with Tribal and State systems. The role emphasizes integrity, confidentiality, and rigorous rulemaking within the Tribal Judicial Department.

The successful candidate will interpret ordinances, supervise court proceedings, and apply graduated sanctions while maintaining accurate records and meeting training requirements.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required.
• Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney required.
• Must be an attorney licensed to practice law.
• Must possess certification of Mandatory Reporter Training or obtain within first week of employment.
• Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Associate Tribal Judge, interpreting and enforcing tribal ordinances and applicable laws.
• Establish and maintain rules and procedures for the Tribal Judicial System in accordance with Tribal Council and Supreme Court requirements.
• Preside over Healing to Wellness Court proceedings and ensure appropriate use of sanctions, incentives, and disciplinary measures.
• Schedule Wellness Court sessions and team staffing meetings.
• Review participant progress, treatment compliance, drug test results, and case status reports.
• Administer graduated sanctions and incentives to promote accountability, recovery, and law‑abiding behavior.
• Maintain privacy, accuracy, and integrity of Wellness Court records and recommend expungement upon successful program completion.
• Monitor new legislation and tribal laws affecting the Wellness Court and ensure compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Integrity & professionalism

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptable & solution‑oriented

Travel readiness

Education

Juris Doctorate

Licensed to practice law

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Associate Tribal Judge

Bring your legal expertise to a role where your integrity, judgment, and commitment to service can make a lasting impact.

Department: Tribal Judicial

Position Status: Tribal Council Appointed Term

Supervisor Role: No

Closing Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @5:00 p.m.

Join Our Mission

The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.

About the Role

The Associate Tribal Judge presides over Healing to Wellness Court cases referred by the Tribal and/or State Court Systems, as well as divorce and child custody matters. The Judge performs additional duties as assigned to support program and departmental goals and objectives.

Professional Staff of the Poarch Creek Indians will consistently demonstrate the abilities to influence, innovate, flex their style, and problem solve along with a strong commitment to embodying the core values of the Poarch Creek Indians, which include Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Associate Tribal Judge, interpreting and enforcing tribal ordinances and applicable laws.
• Establish and maintain rules and procedures for the Tribal Judicial System in accordance with Tribal Council and Supreme Court requirements.
• Preside over Healing to Wellness Court proceedings and ensure appropriate use of sanctions, incentives, and disciplinary measures.
• Schedule Wellness Court sessions and team staffing meetings.
• Review participant progress, treatment compliance, drug test results, and case status reports.
• Administer graduated sanctions and incentives to promote accountability, recovery, and law‑abiding behavior.
• Maintain the privacy, accuracy, and integrity of Wellness Court records and recommend expungement upon successful program completion.
• Monitor new legislation and tribal laws affecting the Wellness Court and ensure compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required.
• Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney required.
• Must be an attorney licensed to practice law.
• Must possess certification of Mandatory Reporter Training or obtain within first week of employment.
• Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
• Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities of this position adequately and successfully.

Essential Competencies

• Strong integrity, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to prepare required reports and documentation.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Knowledge and respect for American Indian tribal issues, traditions, and values.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Positive employment history and professional references.
• Ability to follow tribal policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Adaptable, solution-oriented, and able to overcome challenges.
• Ability to build trust, serve as a positive role model, and represent the Tribe professionally.

Preference will be given in accordance with Title 33 (Tribal Employment Rights) of the Tribal Code/DFWP.

INDIAN PREFERENCE, SPOUSAL PREFERENCE, OR FIRST GENERATION:

In the event more than one applicant meets the requirements, as stated in a job description, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Tribal Member (2) First Generation Descendant of a Tribal Member (3) Spouse of Tribal Member (4) Indian (5) Non-Indian

In the event that a position of employment is funded in whole or in part my any federal grant and/or contract or other public funding, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Indian (2) Non-Indian

In order to receive preference, the appropriate documentation must be submitted.