Associate Tribal Judge

Poarch Creek Indians; Atmore (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Poarch Creek Indians are seeking an Associate Tribal Judge to preside over Healing to Wellness Court cases and tribal matters, with duties extending to family law consultations as needed.

The role requires a Juris Doctorate and at least five years as a practicing attorney, plus active licensure. You will work within the Tribal Judicial Dept, supporting integrity, confidentiality, and culturally informed governance.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required.
• Five years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Must be licensed to practice law.
• Must have Mandatory Reporter Training certification or obtain within first week.
• Ability to pass criminal and character background check.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training and events.

Responsibilities

• Preside as Associate Tribal Judge, interpreting and enforcing tribal ordinances and applicable laws.
• Establish and maintain rules and procedures for the Tribal Judicial System per Tribal Council and Supreme Court.
• Preside over Healing to Wellness Court proceedings and manage sanctions and incentives.
• Schedule Wellness Court sessions and team staffing meetings.
• Review participant progress, treatment compliance, and case status reports.
• Administer graduated sanctions and incentives to promote accountability and recovery.
• Maintain Wellness Court records’ privacy, accuracy, and integrity.
• Monitor new legislation and tribal laws affecting the Wellness Court.

Skills

Integrity

Communication

Confidentiality

Adaptable

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

"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.