The Role
Presides over civil, criminal, and juvenile Tribal Court matters; interprets Tribal laws and ordinances; issues legal orders and judgments; manages dockets, records, and court procedures; oversees jury trials and defendants’ rights; supervises court administration; handles Healing to Wellness Court referrals; ensures juvenile-record privacy; and implements procedures for legislative and legal changes.
Summary Generated by Built In
Chief Tribal Judge
"Bring your legal expertise and leadership to a role where your integrity, judgment, and commitment to Tribal justice can make a lasting impact."
Department: Tribal Judicial
Position Status: Tribal Council Appointed Term
Supervisor Role: No
Closing Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @5:00 p.m.
Join Our Mission:
The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.
About the Role:
The Chief Tribal Judge is responsible for presiding over civil, criminal, and juvenile matters before the Tribal Judicial System. The Chief Tribal Judge performs all duties necessary to support the goals and objectives of the Tribal Judicial System and Poarch Band of Creek Indians. This description is not intended to be all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Professional Staff of the Poarch Creek Indians will consistently demonstrate the abilities to influence, innovate, flex their style, and problem solve along with a strong commitment to embodying the core values of the Poarch Creek Indians, which include Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.
Key Responsibilities:
Essential Competencies:
Preference will be given in accordance with Title 33 (Tribal Employment Rights) of the Tribal Code/DFWP.
"Bring your legal expertise and leadership to a role where your integrity, judgment, and commitment to Tribal justice can make a lasting impact."
Department: Tribal Judicial
Position Status: Tribal Council Appointed Term
Supervisor Role: No
Closing Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @5:00 p.m.
Join Our Mission:
The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.
About the Role:
The Chief Tribal Judge is responsible for presiding over civil, criminal, and juvenile matters before the Tribal Judicial System. The Chief Tribal Judge performs all duties necessary to support the goals and objectives of the Tribal Judicial System and Poarch Band of Creek Indians. This description is not intended to be all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Professional Staff of the Poarch Creek Indians will consistently demonstrate the abilities to influence, innovate, flex their style, and problem solve along with a strong commitment to embodying the core values of the Poarch Creek Indians, which include Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.
Key Responsibilities:
- Presides over Tribal Court proceedings, including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, trials, and special hearings.
- Interprets and applies Tribal ordinances, laws, and regulations.
- Issues court orders, judgments, warrants, and other legal documents.
- Establishes and maintains rules, procedures, court dockets, schedules, and judicial records in accordance with applicable law.
- Oversees jury trials and ensures defendants are informed of their rights and properly advised regarding pleas.
- Supervises and advises court administration and staff regarding court procedures and records.
- Refers eligible cases to the Healing to Wellness Court and oversees related sentencing and case matters.
- Ensures the privacy, accuracy, and proper maintenance of juvenile and other court records.
- Reviews changes to Tribal legislation and law and implements procedures to ensure compliance.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Juris Doctorate required.
- Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney required.
- Five (5) years of experience as a Judge required.
- Must be an attorney licensed to practice law.
- Must possess certification of Mandatory Reporter Training or obtain within first week of employment.
- Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
- Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
- Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
- Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities of this position adequately and successfully.
Essential Competencies:
- High moral character, integrity, professionalism, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Strong understanding and respect for American Indian tribal issues, traditions, and values.
- Ability to prepare required documents, reports, and correspondence.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet applications, electronic file management, and general office equipment.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and serve as a positive role model and cultural ambassador.
- Demonstrated sound judgment, adaptability, initiative, and ability to identify and overcome challenges.
- Commitment to professional and ethical standards and compliance with Poarch Band of Creek Indians policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated satisfactory employment history and positive professional references.
- Ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
Preference will be given in accordance with Title 33 (Tribal Employment Rights) of the Tribal Code/DFWP.
Skills Required
- Juris Doctorate
- Five years of experience as a practicing attorney
- Five years of experience as a judge
- Active license to practice law
- Mandatory Reporter Training certification, or ability to obtain it within the first week of employment
- Ability to work odd and irregular hours as needed
- Successful completion of a criminal and character background check
- Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events
- Understanding and respect for American Indian Tribal issues, traditions, and values
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet applications, electronic file management, and general office equipment
- Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, and confidentiality skills
- Satisfactory employment history and positive professional references
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The Company
What We Do
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is Alabama's only federally recognized tribe, operating in sectors from hospitality and gaming to aerospace and media production, with a mission to elevate the quality of life for its citizens and create sustainability.
