Job Opportunity – Associate Judge

Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community – Associate Judge

Position Summary:
 Under the administrative direction of the Chief Judge, responsible for the fair and impartial administration of justice pursuant to the judicial powers granted by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Council and on matters assigned by the Chief Judge.  The Associated Judge is appointed by the Council and presides over and rules in cases as assigned by the Chief Judge. The Associate Judge performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge. This job class is treated as an FLSA exempt position.

Descriptive Features: The Associate Judge is an integral member of the judicial system and as such serves to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice. The Associate Judge must have a good understanding of the of the operation of a legal system, administration of justice, interpersonal relationships, dispute resolution as well as a general knowledge of public safety operations and governmental methods of reporting. The Associate Judge must also have an awareness of human behavior to aid in the resolution of complaints and disputes.  The Associate Judge’s work in reviewed by the Chief Judge through reports, conferences and meetings. Judicial conduct is governed by Section 4-25 of the SRPMIC Code of ordinances and the SRPMIC Court Rules of Professional Conduct, Sec 2, Judicial rules of Professional Conduct.

Essential Functions
(Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.)

Tasks: 1. Determines trial procedures and conducts trials, examines evidence, determines validity of allegations, rules on admissibility of evidence, and prepares and issues rulings. 2. Researches legal issues and prepares appropriate legal memoranda, interprets applicable SRPMIC, other tribal jurisdictions, city, state and federal laws and regulations. 3. Drafts and issues court orders and opinions. 4. Directs the preparation and maintenance of records and dockets of actions and courts proceedings in accordance with accepted standards of court procedures. 5. Conducts arraignments, advisement of rights, and sets appearance dates.  6. Presides in jury trials and assists with jury management.  Gives jury instructions on application of facts to law.  7. Executes and issues court processes including, but not limited to, writs, judgments, decrees, arrest warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, summons, long form complaints and civil injunctions. 8. Drafts and issues orders compelling attendance at court proceedings.  9. Determines plea, motion and sentencing issues and authorizes collection procedures. 10. Decides restitution awards, revocation of probation status and bond forfeitures 11. Sentences defendants in criminal cases in accordance with applicable laws.  12. Sits on appellate panels, if appropriate. 13. Assists in the development and implementation of plans, goals and objectives to ensure the effective and efficient administration of justice. 14. Coordinates with other tribes, federal, state, county and city authorities on court-related and juvenile matters.  15. Attends ongoing training as required by the SRPMIC and pursuant to Chapter 4, Art. 2, 4-22 of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances.  16. Performs other job related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

  • Knowledge of the SRPMIC ordinances, laws, rules, customs and traditions.
  • Knowledge of general law, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of principles of civil and criminal laws and appeal issues.
  • Knowledge of procedures and methods of legal research.
  • Knowledge of court operations, principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of the history and culture of the SRPMIC.
  • Skill in oral and written communications to conduct court proceedings and elicit pertinent information from all parties.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other judicial entities, regulatory agencies, staff, government officials, SRPMIC members and the general public.
  • Skill in determining alternative approaches to problem solving.
  • Ability to hear and decide cases and perform judicial duties in a fair and impartial manner while upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
  • Ability to research, interpret, analyze and apply legal principles to pending cases.
  • Ability to regulate extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of neglecting or creating a conflict with judicial duties.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with other members of the judiciary, other governmental entities, parties before the Court, and the general public.

Qualifications: The applicant shall meet all the qualifications as set for in Chapter 4, Article 2, 4-22 (B) of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances as amended. Such qualifications include:
1. Being thirty (30 years of age or older;

2. Possessing a two (2) year degree (Associate of Arts, certificate, etc.) or higher preferably in a law related field (e.g., law degree, criminal justice, administration of justice, Police Science, paralegal) OR having at least three (3) years consecutive bench experience within the past five (5) years of appointment to the bench;

3. Being an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community or the Tohono O’odham Nation with preference given to enrolled members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community;

4. Having never been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction, and having not been convicted of a misdemeanor within five (5) years of the date of the judicial application filed with the SRPMIC Council.  A misdemeanor shall be conviction of the type of behavior proscribed in Chapters 6 and 10 and 16-231 through 16-236 of Chapter 16 (Dealing with DWI and Reckless Driving) of the SRPMIC’s Code of Ordinances, whether committed on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community or in another jurisdiction;

5. Being of good moral character.  In determining character, the SRPMIC Council shall consider, among other things, the laws, customs and traditions of the SRPMIC;

6. Consenting to undergo such training as the SRPMIC Council, SPRMIC President, or the Chief Judge specifies in order to obtain and/or maintain the competence needed as a judge;

7. Passing a test administered to persons applying to practice before the SRPMIC Court and/or other applicable tests;

8. Serving a one (1) year probationary period;

9. Having never been removed for good cause from a judge position in any jurisdiction;

10. Being subject to SRPMIC administrative policies regarding employees except when such policies are inconsistent with the status and duties of a judge including, but not limited to, employee grievance, recruitment and selection, and underfill policies.  Notwithstanding the administrative polices, Section 4-25 of the SRPMIC Code of ordinance shall apply to all removal or suspension of judges.

11. Being subject to the SRPMIC Court Rules of Professional Conduct, Section 2 Judicial Rules of Professional conduct and as these rules may be amended.

For any judge who is reappointed to the bench without a break in service, the SRPMIC Council may, in its discretion, waive subsections (7) and/or (8) of Chapter 4, Article 2, 4-22 (B) of the SRPMIC Code of ordinances, as amended

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

“SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer” Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain consideration for Community member/Native American preference, applicant must submit a copy of Tribal Enrollment card or CIB which indicates enrollment in a Federally Recognized Native American Tribe by one of the following methods:

1) attach to SRP-MIC Government application

2)  fax (480-362-5860) 

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date. The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted. Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.

For application information, click here.

Job Opportunities – Senior Advisor

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations (Buy-Back Program) implements the land consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement, which provided $1.9 billion to purchase fractionated interests in trust or restricted land from willing sellers at fair market value.

The Program is currently accepting applications for Senior Advisor, (Tribal Relations) positions. The Senior Advisor position is located within the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Office of Land Buy-Back. The Senior Advisor serves as the principal liaison and point of contact for Tribal Nations and stakeholder groups implementing land consolidation activities at eligible Reservations. The Senior Advisor cooperatively develops and proactively manages Reservation-specific strategies designed to reduce fractionation through outreach to individual Indian landowners. For more information and to apply, go to USAJobs:

Job Opportunities – Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals

Applications are being accepted for two vacancies on Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals, created by the retirement of Judge Patricia A. Orozco and the appointment of Judge Andrew W. Gould to the Arizona Supreme Court. The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants, and recommend at least three nominees for each vacancy to Governor Doug Ducey.

The judicial application has been revised and includes ALL NEW INSTRUCTIONS AND QUESTIONS. The new judicial application form can be downloaded at the Judicial Department website: www.azcourts.gov/jnc. Applications may also be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, by calling (602) 452-3311, or by sending an electronic mail request to jnc@courts.az.gov.

 Applicants must be at least 30 years of age, of good moral character, and admitted to the practice of law in Arizona, as well as a resident of Arizona, for the past five years. To be eligible, an applicant must also have resided in one of the following counties for the past three years:  Apache, Coconino, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai or Yuma.  

 A signed original application with all attachments and a searchable .pdf version of the application and attachments must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, by 3:00 p.m. on January 13, 2017. 

 The Commission may, at its discretion, use the applications filed for these vacancies to nominate candidates for any additional vacancies known to the Commission before the screening meeting for these vacancies is held. 

 All meetings of the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments are open to the public. 

 As of January 1, 2017, the new judges will be paid $152,250 annually.

 

Job Announcements – U.S. Department of Justice

Justice seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American; Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of background. Justice fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences may reach their full potential.

Attorney vacancy announcements may be found at: http://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/attorneys-vacancies.

USAO District of Columbia Assistant US Attorney, Chief of the Cyber Unit DC
United States Parole Commission (USPC) Attorney Advisor DC
United States Parole Commission (USPC) Attorney Advisor DC
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) General Attorney VA
Civil Rights Division (CRT) Trial Attorney DC
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Attorney Advisor (Associate Chief Counsel) DC
USAO Western District of Tennessee Assistant United States Attorney TN
USAO Southern District of Ohio Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) OH
Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) Trial Attorney DC
USAO District of Arizona AUSA AZ
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Attorney Advisor TX
Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties (OPCL) Supervisory Attorney Advisor/Deputy Director DC
USAO Western District of Louisiana Assistant United States Attorney LA

Job Opportunity – Attorney

KEWENVOYOUMA LAW, PLLC
700 East Baseline Rd. Suite C-1, Tempe, AZ 85283
Tel 480.428.4590 Fax 480.223.6398
Vtklaw.com

Kewenvoyouma Law, PLLC is seeking a motivated, self-driven, and ambitious full-time associate or of counsel attorney. Title and position will be dependent on attorney experience and time commitment.

Kewenvoyouma Law, PLLC is a 100% Indian owned boutique law firm providing legal services exclusively to Tribes, tribal entities, tribal agencies, and Individual Indian business owners. Our firm provides services in the area of Indian law, business transactions, economic development, finance, commercial transactions, business formations, government relations gaming, and water rights. We are proud to assist as day-to-day general or special counsel for Tribes and corporate counsel to Tribal businesses.

Requirements:

J.D. Degree from an A.B.A accredited law school with Bar License in California, New Mexico and/or Arizona (or pending License)
2-6 Years of experience (this is not necessarily legal experience, but may include business or tribal affairs experience as well)
Demonstrated education or experience in federal Indian law
Strong research, analytical and writing skills
Transactional law, business law, economic development and gaming experience a plus

Applicants should submit the following information:

Cover Letter
Resume
Writing Sample
Transcripts (if graduated within 0-4 years)
Three references

Please submit information via email to gina@vtklaw.com. Please contact Gina Bocardo at 480-428-4590 with any questions. Experience and/or education in transactional, business, economic development, or gaming preferred. Native American hiring preference will be provided to qualified attorneys.