Chief Judge (37401)

Come work for the leading employer in the Coachella Valley. Agua Caliente offers a comprehensive benefit and compensation package that includes rich medical and dental benefits, a 401k plan with employer match, more than 3 weeks of paid time off per year for newly hired employees, and other great benefits like food and beverage discounts at our three casinos, fuel discounts, tuition and wellness reimbursement, plus much, more.  

WHO ARE WE: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Palm Springs, California, with 32,000 acres of reservation lands that spread across Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The Tribe currently owns and operates two 18-hole championship golf courses, 3 casinos located in Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and downtown Palm Springs, two world class spas, and a fuel station. For more information about the Tribe, visit www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov.

Job Description Summary

The Chief Judge is responsible for presiding over and adjudicating a variety of judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI/Tribe), while protecting and enhancing the Tribe’s sovereignty. In addition, the Chief Judge is responsible for the overall development, management and success of the ACBCI Tribal Court.

Essential Duties and Information (other duties may be assigned)

• Oversee the administration of the Judicial Department, including the management of all court operations, budget planning and submittal, procurement, training, and maintenance of records and case files.
• Oversee the development and implementation of court rules, forms and procedures, expansion of court jurisdiction, and the administrative operations of the Tribal Court.
• Exercise independent professional judgment to interpret and apply laws or precedents to reach judgments and to resolve disputes filed before the Tribal Court. Presides on motions and requests of the parties; schedules and presides over conferences, evidentiary hearings and bench trials; conducts necessary legal or factual research; and renders legal opinions.
• Issue warrants, subpoenas, judgments, commitments and other legal orders, opinions, and documents.
• Oversee or provides for the selection, training, professional development and discipline of staff; evaluate and/or review employee performance; handle grievances and other personnel actions.
• Ensure accountability regarding collection of all court fines/fees.
• Assist with developing, implementing and enforcing standards of the Agua Caliente Tribal Court Bar.
• Attend judicial training sessions as required through NAICJA and conduct training for Tribal Court staff and public agencies.
• Work with Tribal staff to draft and submit grant applications for Tribal Court funding for renovation and operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Tribal Court Administrator

Bailiff

Education and/or Experience

• Must be at least thirty-five (35) years of age.
• Jurist Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Admitted to practice and in good standing in the courts of at least one state located within the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a licensed attorney with specialized experience in federal Indian law, tribes and tribal courts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the laws of the Tribe and understanding of other relevant federal and state laws.
• Experience in preparing papers and conducting hearings incident to the office of Chief Judge.
• Strong communication, writing and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to handle multiple matters.
• Strong personal and professional commitment to advancement of Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
• Experience in establishing and growing a Tribal Court, including construction/renovation of Tribal Court building.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to stand, move and work throughout the

office area and properties, including walking up to 1 ½ mile, climbing stairs and sitting at a desk/work

station for the duration of the shift. 

Typically the individual will be housed in an office environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Must be able to grasp, bend, lift and/or carry or otherwise move goods weighing a minimum of 25 lbs. on an intermittent basis, and sufficient dexterity of hand in order to use office equipment including, but not limited to:  a computer keyboard, calculator, general office equipment and multi-line telephone.