Overview
Summary
The Intertribal Court of Southern California invites applications from qualified individuals interested in a chief judge position. Under the supervision of the Tribal Judicial Council of Southern California, this position has responsibility for presiding over cases within the jurisdiction of the Court and overseeing the operation of the Court.
Minimum Qualifications
The Intertribal Court of Southern California Inter-Governmental Agreement establishes the following minimum qualifications for judges of the Court:
• Be thirty (30) years of age or older;
• Be of good moral character;
• Hold a high standard of conduct and integrity;
• Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent;
• Be capable of carrying out the duties of the office;
• Demonstrate knowledge of tribal, United States federal, and California state law; and
• Have never been convicted of a felony offense.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Preside over cases within the jurisdiction of the Court
• Assign cases to associate and pro tem judges
• Supervise Court staff
• Direct Court programs
• Engage with member tribes and Court stakeholders
• Develop Court rules, policies, and procedures
• Perform other duties as required to support Court operations
Knowledge and Abilities
• Knowledge of applicable tribal, state, and federal statutes, case law, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Ability to conduct hearings, develop case records, and issue decisions that include findings of fact and conclusions of law
• Ability to hear cases with impartiality
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, case law, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to the facts presented
• Ability to maintain the confidential nature of Court records
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others
• Strong management and supervisory skills
Preferred Education and Experience
A juris doctorate from an accredited institution with ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law is preferred. Experience may include tribal, state, or federal judicial service. Experience with federal grants is preferred.
Additional Information
• Compensation: Dependent on experience
• Benefits: Eligible for employer-sponsored health care, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) contributions
• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Indian preference: Native American preference applies
• Vaccination: Must comply with the Court’s COVID-19 vaccination policy
Applications
To apply, submit a cover letter and résumé to Director of Administration and Human Resources Maria Maciel at mmaciel@intertribalcourt.org. This position is subject to appointment by the Tribal Judicial Council of Southern California and is open until filled.
About Intertribal Court of Southern California
About the Intertribal Court of Southern California
The Intertribal Court of Southern California was formed in 2002 when the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association received a grant from the United States Department of Justice. The Court began operation in August of 2006.
The purpose of the Intertribal Court of Southern California is to provide its member tribes with an independent and culturally sensitive forum in which to present and resolve disputes.
The Intertribal Court of Southern California serves a consortium of tribes from across southern California. To join the Court, a tribe must adopt the Intertribal Court of Southern California Inter-Governmental Agreement by resolution. The tribe then appoints a representative to the Tribal Judicial Council of Southern California, the Court’s governing body.
The scope of the Intertribal Court of Southern California’s jurisdiction is defined by its member tribes, meaning that each tribe dictates which of its cases the Court is authorized to hear. Currently, the Court hears a variety of cases including public safety issues, tort claims, environmental issues, family law, conservatorships, enrollment issues, exclusions, and more. The
Court handles evictions for the All Mission Indian Housing Authority and hears a limited number of cases for several tribes not formally part of the Intertribal Court of Southern California consortium. The Court also offers arbitration and mediation services, and hears appeals.
The Intertribal Court of Southern California functions as a circuit court, with judges travelling to each reservation to resolve cases based on each tribe’s laws, customs, and traditions. The Court hears an average of 630 cases per year.