Tribal Judge

Kickapoo; Eagle Pass (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kickapoo Tribal Council seeks a Tribal District Court Judge to fairly and impartially hear and decide matters within the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Court. The judge oversees criminal and civil cases, administers the court, and ensures adherence to tribal codes, federal law, and tribal sovereignty.

The ideal candidate holds a Juris Doctorate, is a licensed attorney, and has experience in Indian law; tribal judge experience is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in good standing in the U.S.
• Experience in Indian law and tribal sovereignty concepts preferred.
• Ideal candidate will have prior Tribal judge experience.

Responsibilities

• Hear and decide matters filed in Kickapoo Tribal Court.
• Prepare written orders based on facts, law, and precedence.
• Preside over criminal and civil cases in tribal courts and appellate court.
• Inform defendants of rights and charges during arraignments.
• Issue orders, judgments, and sentences per tribal codes and procedures.
• Administer oaths, fines, penalties, and contempts as appropriate.
• Engage in case management and supervise court staff and operations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and oral communication

Supervisory experience

Judicial/legal judgment

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Juris Doctorate (ABA accredited)

Tools

Court management software

Job description

Position: Judge

Supervisor: Tribal Administrator (or his designee)

Division: Kickapoo Tribal Council

Department: Legal

Responsibilities

The Tribal District Court Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Court pursuant to the Kickapoo Traditional Tribal Law and Order Code, Kickapoo customs and traditions, ordinances, regulations, duly adopted policies, and applicable Federal and local laws. All cases shall initially be assigned to the Tribal District Court Judge. The Tribal District Court Judge may assign cases and other matters to an Associate Judge or Judges Pro Tem depending on the circumstances. In addition to the responsibilities listed below, the Tribal District Court Judge is responsible for protecting and enhancing the Tribe’s sovereignty and must conduct himself/herself according to the highest level of moral and ethical standards. The Tribal District Court Judge shall be appointed at the discretion of the Tribal Council. Responsibilities may also include the administrative operations of the Tribal District Court and supervision of its employees, including case management and the timeliness of judgments and orders.

Essential Duties and responsibilities include the following:

An individual must be able to successfully perform each of the essential functions of this position listed below with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Shall hear and determine all matters fully and regularly filed in the Kickapoo Tribal Court.
• To use the federal rules of Criminal and Civil Procedures as guidelines when Tribal Law or custom does not apply.
• Judge shall prepare written orders based upon the facts, law and precedence of the case in a timely manner.
• Presides over criminal and civil cases properly and regularly filed in the Tribal Courts, Children’s Court, and Appellate Court. Enforces and maintains the subject matter, territorial and personal jurisdiction of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
• Informs defendants during arraignments of his/her rights and charges, pursuant to the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Codes and Indian Civil Rights Act.
• After trial, fact-finding or hearing, will issue orders, decrees, judgments, sentences or dismissals based upon the law, facts, evidence, precedence and procedures pursuant to the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Codes.
• Judge shall research issues, case law, traditional law, and render decisions, fairly, timely, equally and legally.
• Judge shall work administratively with the Court Administrator and Court Clerks establishing goals, objectives, and priorities for the judges, attorneys, and clerks of the Kickapoo District Court.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply legal principles.

Keep abreast of developments and potential for change in their specific area of law

• Shall have the power to:
• Issue any written order, decree, judgment and legal memorandum necessary and proper to the complete exercise of their powers;
• To issue subpoenas to compel witnesses or documents, or both, on the motion of any party on their own in the proceeding before him/her and may hold in contempt any party or person for failure to comply with such subpoena after being properly notified and without legal justification for failing to do so;
• To administer oaths to persons in proceedings before him/her and where necessary and proper, to carry out judicial duties;
• To administer fines, penalties, dismissals, forfeitures, costs, restitution, hold in contempt, defer prosecution, impose, suspend, or defer jail time;
• To hold arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trials, trials, jury trials, post trials, and sentencing.
• Seeks to be up to date in relevant legal issues.
• Learns about other cultures and diversity issues.
• Broadens and extends knowledge (e.g., learns new areas of law, clarifies uncertainty).
• Perform such other tasks as may be assigned from time to time by the Tribal Administrator.

Knowledge and application of the laws, rules, regulations and ordinances in effect on the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, including Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA), and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

Effectiveness of application and compliance with Tribal, federal, state and local regulatory matters.

Clarity of legal issues to the Tribal Administrator and/or Tribal Council.

Reporting on lobbying efforts to benefit the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.

Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinates

Commitment to excellence, and high moral and ethical standards

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Excellent presentation skills

Basic competence in subordinates’ duties and tasks.

Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills

Ability to manage priorities and workflow

Ability to understand, provide and follow written and verbal direction

Attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to manage and maintain security of confidential data and information

Attention to exercise independent and sound judgment

Ability to decide matters of law in an impartial manner

Cultural awareness of and sensitivity of Kickapoo customs, traditions, religious beliefs, and way of life

Ability to read and write English and Spanish (preferred)

Supervision exercised:

This position does/does not carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Education/experience requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.

Must be a licensed attorney and a member in good standing of the bar of any state in the U.S.

Must have experience and/or practice in the field of Indian law and demonstrated experience with the concepts of federal Indian law. Tribal law and principles of tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction are strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate will have experience as a Tribal judge in a Tribal justice system exercising both civil and criminal jurisdiction.

Outstanding interpersonal skills and experience supervising other legal professionals is required.

Is expected to complete continuing education and training courses, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in accounting, administrating budgets, and working with court related computer programs is preferred.

Native American preference is observed:

KTTT recognizes preference for KTTT tribal members and qualified Native American tribal members including preferential treatment in recruitment, hiring, promotions, layoffs and reductions in force so long as they meet minimum job qualifications.