Associate Judge

DEPARTMENT: Tribal Court

REPORTS TO: Chief Judge

DEFINITION / PURPOSE:
Preside over assigned criminal, civil and juvenile cases for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATED ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Hears and timely determines all cases filed in the Tribal Court and assigned by the Chief Judge and including but not limited to: criminal, traffic, civil (e.g. domestic relations, probate, repossession, breach of contract, personal injury), juvenile, and children cases (e.g. neglect, dependency, incorrigibility, truancy).
Conducts quality and efficient legal research and issues orders in connection with cases heard in a timely matter.
Presides over jury trials when assigned;
Issues search and seizure warrants, arrest warrants, and orders of protection when appropriate.
Assists in the development of court rules of procedure and court policies in all areas listed above.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge.

SKILLS ABILITIES AND KNOWLEDGE:
· Demonstrates oral and written communication skills as well as skill in legal research and analytical skills commensurate with the position of Associate Judge.
· Knowledge of general legal principles in all areas listed in “Tasks”
· Knowledge of federal Indian Law
· Must understand, appreciate and promote the ideas of tribal self-determination and tribal sovereignty.
· Must understand, appreciate and promote Native American tribal governments and Native American people;
· Knowledge of common court and trial procedures, including jury trail procedures.
· Ability to complete written legal opinions demonstrating proper legal analysis and efficient legal writing skills, including proper legal citation.
· Knowledge of courtroom management skills and case management skills
· Knowledge or willingness to learn the Law and Order of Code of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, including custom and tradition.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1) At least thirty (30) years of age 2) Must be a law school graduate OR possess a minimum of three years experience as a judge, practicing attorney or advocate and have a high school diploma or GED Certification 3) Must have no felony convictions and no serious misdemeanor criminal convictions within the past five years 4) Must submit to and pass a FBI criminal history background check 5) Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen 6) Current AZ drivers license and meet FMYN insurance standards.

PAY RATE $65,388.30 to $78,465.96 Per Annum (DOE)

POSITION STATUS: Regular, Full-Time (This is an appointed position by the Tribal
Council for two years)

OPEN DATE: August 30, 2007 CLOSE DATE: September 13, 2007

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Human Resources Dept.
Attn: Recruiter
PO Box 17779
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
Phone: 480-816-7119
Fax: 480-816-0419
Email: recruiter@ftmcdowell.org

INDIAN PREFERENCE:
Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are members of federally recognized Indian tribes. To be considered for Indian Preference, you must submit your Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) with your application.

WILL REQUIRE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREEN AND COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK WHICH MAY REQUIRE FINGERPRINTING

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