Associate Judge (KD-49643)

CLOSING DATE:     Open Until filled with Bi-weekly reviews

POSITION:                Associate Judge 

SALARY:                   $45.57-$52.83, per hour

REPORTS TO:         Chief Judge

LOCATION:               Tribal Courthouse, Nespelem, WA 

Basic Functions:      This is a Non-Exempt position. Provides a broad range of judicial functions at the trial court level for the Colville Tribal Court of the Confederated Tribes. Preside over cases of Criminal, Civil, and Family Law as appointed by the Chief Judge. 

BENIFITS: We have excellent benefits including full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k with employer contributions, Short-and Long- Term disability for Full-Time employees. Generous leave package includes paid holidays, sick leave, and annual leave for Full-Time and Part-Time employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training: 

• Requires a Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or equivalent education qualifying for admission to the Washington State Bar Association.
• Prior successful judicial experience preferred.
• Must have been successful practicing attorney with a minimum of 4 years of experience, with background in criminal and civil law litigation preferred.  
• Must be a member in good standing of any State Bar Association and have sufficient legal training to preside over criminal/civil proceedings.
• Practice in a Tribal Court setting preferred.
• Must submit a legal writing sample with application.
• Must complete a judicial questionnaire which is available from Colville Tribal Human Resources, if selected for an interview will be provided a supplemental questionnaire.
• Must provide at least five (5) employment references.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association or able to obtain admission by motion.  
• Must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association within one year of employment.  
• Must be a member of the Colville Tribal Bar or pass the Tribal Bar and be admitted to practice in Tribal Court within 90 days of hire. 
• Must have a Valid State Drivers License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Requires working knowledge of general court procedures and processes as well as some knowledge the Colville Tribal Code and supporting case law, as well as knowledge of the laws of the State of Washington and applicable case law.  
• Knowledge and understanding of the Colville Tribes Community and its people, including Tribal Law, Customs and traditions is preferred
• Requires knowledge of a variety of case types, which may include, including criminal, civil, MINOC (dependency) family law, and infraction cases.
• Requires ability to manage and preside over busy court docket with professionalism, care and efficiency.
• Requires ability to conduct legal research and write legal opinions in a timely manner. 
• Requires ability to conduct legal research and/or use existing knowledge to issue decisions expeditiously.  
• Requires knowledge of tribal sovereignty, alternative sentencing and restorative justice; substance use disorder treatment; mental health court alternatives; culturally appropriate sentencing; and trauma informed courtroom management.
• Requires significant skills in leadership, courtroom management, and conflict resolution. 
• Requires ability to exercise a high level of judicial temperament, integrity and ethics 
• Requires knowledge of and skill at using common office productivity software.  
• Must be familiar with zoom.  
• Must be capable of learning FullCourt courtroom management software
• Must satisfy the Colville Business Council that he or she is, or can, become familiar with the Laws and Constitution of the Confederated Tribe of the Colville Reservation and with the basic principles of federal Indian law and law which defines and controls tribal sovereignty. 
• Requires the ability to perform all of the duties of the position efficiently and in an open environment with interruptions and distractions.  
• Must be able to work effectively with high level judicial temperament, integrity and ethics with courts of other jurisdiction, Tribal legal offices and representatives and the public.  
• Requires the ability to work as contributing member of a team, work productively and cooperatively with other teams, Tribal Officials and external customers, and convey a positive image of the Tribal court and its services.
• Requires the ability to use a personal computer to produce correspondence and reports, and type/keyboard accurately.
• Requires the ability to maintain confidentiality of private and sensitive information.  
• Requires the ability to attend training sessions and be able to conduct staff training.
• Requires the ability to analyze information and data to make recommendations for amendment or adoption of laws to improve the legal and judicial system.
• Requires the ability to uphold highest level of confidentiality throughout employment.
• Requires the ability to demonstrate and show humility and compassion. 
• Must be able to function indoors in an office environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary nature.  
• Requires ambulatory ability and ability to sit for extended periods of time, to use microcomputers and peripheral equipment, accomplish other desktop work.
• Requires the ability to use near vision to read printed materials.  
• Requires auditory ability to carry on conversations in person and over the phone.
• Requires manual and finger dexterity to write, use a pointing device and keyboard at an advanced rate, operate microcomputer, and to operate other standardized office equipment, almost constantly requiring repetitive motions.
• Requires the ability to be available on call by phone 24 hours per day to hear requests for extradition warrants, search warrants and other orders of an immediate nature.
• Requires the ability to work varying flexible and extended work hours.
• Requires ability to work in a high stress environment and multi-task on a daily basis.
• Requires regular, consistent attendance.
• Requires the ability to work in high stress environment and multi-task on a daily basis.

Special Conditions:

• Must submit to and successfully clear an extensive criminal background inquiry with a history of no violations that which effect ability to practice law within the Colville Tribal Court and maintain clearance throughout employment.  
• Must have no pending disciplinary actions before any state or tribal bar association, no finding of dishonesty in any court: tribal, state, and/or federal.
• Must have never been found guilty of a felony or convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.  
• Must have no finding of any ethics breaches from a Judicial Commission or Washington State Bar or any Tribal Court.
• Must notify immediate supervisor of any involvement with law enforcement which is not work related within 72 hours.  
• Work history must demonstrate strict compliance with an attorney’s ethical obligations of competence, diligence, loyalty, honesty, and confidentiality.
• Must reside on or near the Colville Indian Reservation or be willing to relocate to the area.  

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

If required of this position, you must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ Vehicle Insurance.  In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances.  If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

INFORMATION: Kabrina Desautel, HR Technician Senior, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155, (509) 634-2028. [email protected]