Chief Judge

Chief Judge

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 and Council approval.

Reporting to the Tribal Council, you will play a pivotal role as the highest official of the Judicial Branch, overseeing court operations, upholding tribal law, and ensuring the fair administration of justice.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for leading the Hualapai Judiciary, presiding over cases, managing judicial staff, and ensuring compliance with tribal, federal, and state legal standards.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Overseeing the administration and operations of the Tribal Court, including budget planning and policy implementation
• Exercising independent judicial authority in hearing and deciding civil, juvenile, and criminal cases
• Supervising the Associate Judge(s), Court Administrator, and court staff, providing guidance on legal policies and procedures
• Issuing legal documents such as warrants, subpoenas, court orders, and judgments
• Developing and revising court procedures, forms, and tribal codes in alignment with legal standards
• Representing the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences
• Ensuring professional development by attending legal training, judicial management courses, and relevant tribal law events
• Promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in all judicial processes

To qualify, you will need 10+ years of legal leadership experience in tribal, federal, or state law, along with a relevant law degree, preferably a Juris Doctor (JD), or 5+ years of dedicated experience in progressively responsible judicial court administrative roles.

The following are required:

• No conviction of a serious misdemeanor within one year of the application date, whether on the Reservation or in another jurisdiction
• A valid driver's license with 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

Additionally, 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

This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a strong backbone, deep respect for tribal governance, and an unwavering commitment to justice. The Hualapai Tribal Court seeks a leader who can unite stakeholders, drive meaningful change, and build a lasting foundation for justice and stability.

In recognition of your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive annual salary of $118,000-$178,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Employer-provided health coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
• Pension plan & 401(k) with 5% employer contributions
• Generous PTO & 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, & travel/flight allowance (if travel is required)
• A workplace built on community and collaboration, with opportunities to connect through events like Cooking With Rosemary workshops, Valentine's Day 5K runs, and the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA)

If you're looking for a meaningful opportunity to make an impact and contribute to a strong, community-driven team, we encourage you to apply today!

Government Careers

Show more