Chief Judge, Tribal Law

Company: Hualapai Tribe
Location: Phoenix
Posted on: March 6, 2025

Job Description:

Serve as a key judicial leader, upholding tribal law while strengthening justice and stability for the Hualapai community

Make sure to read the full description below, and please apply immediately if you are confident you meet all the requirements.
Earn a competitive salary with employer-provided health coverage, pension contributions, and relocation support
Join a sovereign nation committed to self-determination, legal integrity, and cultural preservation

About the Hualapai Tribe

The Hualapai Tribe, known as the "People of the Tall Pines," is a federally recognized Indian Tribe in northwestern Arizona. Established in 1883, the reservation spans nearly one million acres along 108 miles of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River, with landscapes ranging from rolling grasslands to rugged canyons. The tribal capital, Peach Springs, serves as the administrative and cultural hub, reflecting the Tribe's rich heritage and commitment to community development.

Dedicated to self-sufficiency, the Hualapai Tribe operates several enterprises, including the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which manages world-renowned attractions such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk and Hualapai River Runners, the only Indian-owned and operated river rafting company on the Colorado River. These ventures fuel a thriving tourism and hospitality sector, drawing visitors from across the country. Beyond tourism, they create employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.

Joining the Hualapai Tribe means becoming part of a community that values leadership, innovation, and respect for the land. It's an opportunity to work alongside a team dedicated to preserving cultural heritage while promoting long-term sustainability and economic growth.

For more information, please visit our website: hualapai-nsn.govAbout the Opportunity

The Hualapai Tribe is looking for a full-time Chief Judge based in Peach Springs, AZ. This role is a two-year term appointment by the Tribal Council, with the opportunity for reappointment based on performance and Council approval.

Reporting to the Tribal Council, you will play a pivotal role as the highest official of the Judicial Branch, overseeing court operations, upholding tribal law, and ensuring the fair administration of justice.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for leading the Hualapai Judiciary, presiding over cases, managing judicial staff, and ensuring compliance with tribal, federal, and state legal standards.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Overseeing the administration and operations of the Tribal Court, including budget planning and policy implementation
Exercising independent judicial authority in hearing and deciding civil, juvenile, and criminal cases
Supervising the Associate Judge(s), Court Administrator, and court staff, providing guidance on legal policies and procedures
Issuing legal documents such as warrants, subpoenas, court orders, and judgments
Developing and revising court procedures, forms, and tribal codes in alignment with legal standards
Representing the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences
Ensuring professional development by attending legal training, judicial management courses, and relevant tribal law events
Promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in all judicial processes

To read the full position description, please click here.

About You

To qualify, you will need 10+ years of legal leadership experience in tribal, federal, and state law, along with a relevant law degree, preferably a Juris Doctor (JD), or 5+ years of dedicated experience in progressively responsible judicial court administrative roles.

The following are required:

No conviction of a serious misdemeanor within one year of the application date, whether on the Reservation or in another jurisdiction
A valid driver's license with the ability to pass an MVR check
Ability to undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprint clearance for vulnerable sectors
Ability to submit to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

Extensive experience in civil, juvenile, and criminal law, with the ability to oversee a broad range of cases
Strong knowledge of tribal, federal, and state court procedures, including legal frameworks governing Indigenous communities
Familiarity with the Hualapai Law and Order Code, the Indian Civil Rights Act, and the Indian Child Welfare Act
Proven ability to align prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement, and Tribal Council members to uphold justice and ensure a unified approach to community well-being
Demonstrated leadership in overseeing court operations, managing judicial staff, and implementing policies that strengthen the judiciary
Strong legal writing and analytical skills for drafting opinions, court orders, and judicial decisions
Knowledge of grant writing, financial planning, and resource management to support judicial initiatives
Ability to represent the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences

As our ideal candidate, serving at the pleasure of the Tribal Council, you bring sound judgment, resilience, and a deep understanding of the responsibility of leading the judicial branch. You will navigate this role with authority, humility, and empathy, ensuring justice is upheld with strength and fairness. Unifying departments, you will foster a judicial system that is firm yet fair, balancing legal integrity with cultural awareness while serving the community with transparency, clarity, accountability, and trust.

This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a strong backbone, deep respect for tribal governance, and an unwavering commitment to justice. The Hualapai Tribal Court seeks a leader who can unite stakeholders, drive meaningful change, and build a lasting foundation for justice and stability.

About the Benefits

In recognition of your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive annual salary based on your skills and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Employer-provided health coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
Pension plan & 401(k) with 5% employer contributions
Generous PTO & Flexible working hours where applicable
Relocation allowance for eligible candidates
Salary packaging options
Fitness and wellness incentives to promote a healthy lifestyle
Professional development opportunities to support career growth
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Access to employee transportation, gas mileage reimbursement, & travel/flight allowance (if travel is required)
A workplace built on community and collaboration, with opportunities to connect through events like Cooking With Rosemary workshops, Valentine's Day 5K runs, and the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA)

If you're looking for a meaningful opportunity to make an impact and contribute to a strong, community-driven team, we encourage you to apply today!

Keywords: Hualapai Tribe, Phoenix , Chief Judge, Tribal Law, Legal , Phoenix, Arizona