Chief Judge

hualapai; Peach Springs (AZ); On-site; USD 118,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Pension plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Hualapai Tribe is seeking a full-time Chief Judge based in Peach Springs, AZ. This role involves overseeing the Tribal Court operations, ensuring the fair administration of justice and upholding tribal law.

Ideal candidates should have over 10 years of legal leadership experience and a strong understanding of tribal law. A competitive salary range of $118,000–$178,000 is offered, along with comprehensive benefits including health coverage and pension plans.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of legal leadership experience in tribal, federal, or state law.
• 5+ years in progressively responsible judicial court administrative roles.
• No conviction of a serious misdemeanor within one year.
• Ability to undergo a criminal background check.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administration and operations of the Tribal Court.
• Exercise judicial authority in civil, juvenile, and criminal cases.
• Supervise court staff and provide guidance on legal policies.
• Develop and revise court procedures and tribal codes.
• Ensure fairness and transparency in judicial processes.

Skills

Legal leadership experience

Judicial court administration

Strong legal writing and analytical skills

Knowledge of grant writing

Experience in civil, juvenile, and criminal law

Education

Juris Doctor or relevant law degree

Job description

About the Hualapai Tribe

The Hualapai Tribe, known as the \"People of the Tall Pines\", is a federally recognized Indian Tribe in northwestern Arizona. Established in 1883, the reservation spans nearly one million acres along 108 miles of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River, with landscapes ranging from rolling grasslands to rugged canyons. The tribal capital, Peach Springs, serves as the administrative and cultural hub, reflecting the Tribe’s rich heritage and commitment to community development.

Dedicated to self‑sufficiency, the Hualapai Tribe operates several enterprises, including the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which manages world‑renowned attractions such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk and Hualapai River Runners, the only Indian‑owned and operated river rafting company on the Colorado River. These ventures fuel a thriving tourism and hospitality sector, drawing visitors from across the country. Beyond tourism, they create employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.

About the Opportunity

The Hualapai Tribe is looking for a full‑time Chief Judge based in Peach Springs, AZ. This role is a two‑year term appointment by the Tribal Council, with the opportunity for reappointment based on performance. The Chief Judge reports to the Tribal Council and serves as the highest official of the Judicial Branch, overseeing court operations, upholding tribal law, and ensuring the fair administration of justice.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration and operations of the Tribal Court, including budget planning and policy implementation.
• Exercise independent judicial authority in hearing and deciding civil, juvenile, and criminal cases.
• Supervise the Associate Judge(s), Court Administrator, and court staff, providing guidance on legal policies and procedures.
• Issue legal documents such as warrants, subpoenas, court orders, and judgments.
• Develop and revise court procedures, forms, and tribal codes in alignment with legal standards.
• Represent the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences.
• Ensure professional development by attending legal training, judicial management courses, and relevant tribal law events.
• Promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in all judicial processes.
• Maintain professional education and interaction at meetings and conferences to stay abreast of changes in legal requirements affecting the Tribe.
• Attend Tribal Court Management, judicial skills, substantive and procedural legal training, and other tribal conferences or training.

Qualifications

To qualify, you will need:

• 10+ years of legal leadership experience in tribal, federal, or state law, or a relevant law degree (preferably a Juris Doctor).
• 5+ years of dedicated experience in progressively responsible judicial court administrative roles.
• No conviction of a serious misdemeanor within one year of the application date in any jurisdiction.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to pass an MVR check.
• Ability to undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprint clearance for vulnerable sectors.
• Ability to submit to pre‑employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

The following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Extensive experience in civil, juvenile, and criminal law with the ability to oversee a broad range of cases.
• Strong knowledge of tribal, federal, and/or state court procedures, including legal frameworks governing Indigenous communities.
• Familiarity with the Hualapai Law and Order Code, the Indian Civil Rights Act, and the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Proven ability to align prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement, and Tribal Council members to uphold justice and ensure a unified approach to community well‑being.
• Demonstrated leadership in overseeing court operations, managing judicial staff, and implementing policies that strengthen the judiciary.
• Strong legal writing and analytical skills for drafting opinions, court orders, and judicial decisions.
• Knowledge of grant writing, financial planning, and resource management to support judicial initiatives.
• Ability to represent the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences.

Benefits

In recognition of your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive annual salary of $118,000‑$178,000 (the actual hiring salary depends on relevant experience and qualifications). The compensation is posted with the full salary range to indicate future potential earnings.

• Employer‑provided health coverage (medical, dental, and vision).
• Pension plan and 401(k) with 5% employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours where applicable.
• Fitness and wellness incentives to promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Professional development opportunities to support career growth.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Access to employee transportation, gas mileage reimbursement, and travel/flight allowance for required travel.
• A workplace built on community and collaboration, with opportunities to connect through events.

Equal Opportunity

All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, or physical disability. Preference will be given to qualified Community members, to qualified persons of Indian descent, then to other qualified candidates in accordance with Public Law 88‑355, Section 703 (702‑71), and Public Law 93‑638, Section 7B. The Hualapai Tribe is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.