Chief Judge (Legal)

Position closes on: 11/29/2024

POSITION TITLE: Chief Judge
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Judicial
SUPERVISOR: Governor
GRADE: Executive

Position Summary:
Under general direction of the Governor, responsible for the direction and administration of justice for the Pueblo of Santa Ana Contemporary Tribal Court and judicial functions; advises executive leadership on judicial system management and strategic planning; enforces judicial safeguards.

The job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and other essential functions expected of the incumbent. I tis not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties, as required, but such requests shall not compromise judicial ethics, or federal and Pueblo law and policy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Provides departmental administrative management, ensuring that administrative tasks of the Court are implemented.
Ensures that laws, regulations, and court policies are established, developed, lawful, and are followed by court staff, attorneys, and judges.
Ensures that the Court addresses the needs of the public, attorneys, court staff, fellow judges, Traditional Court judges, and Tribal Council.
Monitors court caseloads and preside over cases before the Contemporary Court, Childrens Court (which includes Juvenile Court Cases), and the Healing to Wellness Court.
Develops and implements court strategic plans both short and long term.
Directly supervises and evaluates court staff.
Provides input regarding rule making and drafting/adaptions of laws and rules.
Reviews and oversees court budgets and court spending with assistance from Finance Department, Tribal Administration, and staff.
Searches for and applies for grants on behalf of the Tribal Court.
Oversees implementation, management, and reporting of grants and other income to the court.
Creates and oversees coordination of stakeholder and service provider services to the court.
Ensures Memorandums of Understanding/Agreement are updated and implemented with other departments and outside agencies.
Collaborates with other departments regarding court security planning and emergency preparedness.
Communicates technical information and recommendations on judicial issues to Governor and Tribal Council.
Ensures that Tribal Council and federal agencies are furnished with Annual Reports, and other periodic reports as requested
Interacts with other tribal, local, state, and federal courts, agencies, and law enforcement agencies.
Provides and/or coordinates training for staff and other Pueblo Departments and receive updated judicial training and maintain law licensure.
Appoints and serves on court committees, such as the Tribal-State Judicial Consortium and other collaborations that benefit the Pueblo of Santa Ana and approved by Governors.
In the Court setting: Hears allegations of prosecuting and defending parties, listens to witness testimony, rules on the admissibility of evidence, inform defendants of their rights, instructs a jury, questions witnesses, rules on motions presented, determines the guilt or innocence of criminal defendants and impose sentences on defendants found guilty, and in civil cases, determines liability or damages, grants continuances and administers oaths; assesses and enforces compliance with orders; conducts probation review hearings; issues and manages warrants.
Research the laws and regulations, issues opinions and case decisions, issues and enforces orders.
Meets with attorneys to discuss cases and encourage settlement, when appropriate.
Maintains a well-managed docket for all three courts: Contemporary Court (criminal, civil, traffic, family, probate), Childrens Court (includes juvenile cases), and Healing to Wellness Court. Ensures coordination with Traditional Court, as permitted by Santa Ana law.
Performs other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate degree (JD) from an ABA accredited law school; five years of general judicial experience; three years court administration experience; and experience in the field of Indian Law with emphasis on federal Indian law, tribal law, tribal sovereignty, tribal government, and jurisdiction. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico drivers license.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:
Knowledge of traditional form of government and pueblo customs and traditions.
Knowledge of the functions and structure of the Pueblo of Santa Ana.
Knowledge of Pueblo of Santa Ana law, Indian Civil Rights Act, Federal Indian Law, Judicial Ethics, and other applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation.
Knowledge of records management principles and practices.
use of specified computer applications, such as judicial software.
Ability to train others in issues of the law, policies and procedures relevant to the Court.
Ability to develop and implement strategic planning strategies, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Ability to research and analyze various types of data and information.
Ability to compile and summarize information and prepare periodic or special reports.
Ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues, using judgment consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulation, and government law.
Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team goals, objectives, and activities.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level.