Associate Judge

Under the direction of the Chief Judge, the Morongo Associate Judge shall be responsible for managing and hearing cases brought in the Morongo Tribal Court and other Court administrative duties. Additional responsibilities may include collaborating as needed with Tribal Court working groups, assisting in developing practices and protocols with a cultural approach consistent with tribal values, assisting in revision of Court policies and rules, proposed Tribal Ordinances and procedural standards, supervising calendaring, training and supervising tribal court staff, and other duties as assigned. 

•    Presides over all cases assigned by the Chief Judge.
Hears Cases, makes evidentiary rulings, reviews pleadings and issues subpoenas, final orders, and judgments, Conducts legal research and issues memoranda of decision within the timelines established by tribal law.
•    Prepares, issues and/or submits reports, letters, memorandum, and similar types of correspondence and communications with the Chief Judge, court personnel, litigants, parties to cases, attorneys, legal counsel, and Morongo tribal administration personnel.
•    Issues orders, judgments, decrees, minute entries, summons, subpoenas, 
•    Performs legal, judicial and administrative duties associated with and furtherance of the performance of the duties as stated.
•    Attends training, staff meetings and meetings with the Morongo tribal government representatives, State, County and Federal County government representatives, and the Morongo Tribal community as directed and/or authorized by the Chief Judge.
•    Performs other duties that may be assigned by the Chief Judge.
•    Creates, adopts, develops and implements appropriate policies, procedures and Court forms as directed and/or authorized by the Chief Judge.
•    At the direction and with the assistance of the Chief Judge, may assist the Chief Judge with the following: (a) interviewing, hiring, and training court employees; (b) planning, assigning, and directing work of court employees; (c) appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and (d) addressing complaints and resolving problems.
•    The duties and responsibilities listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of the specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description is subject to change as the needs of the Court and requirements of the job change.
•    Follow established Tribal policies and those outlined in the Morongo Band of Mission Indians Employee Handbook.

Requirements

Education and Experience:    

•    Member in good standing of the Bar of any State or federal judicial district for at least five years.
•    Experience as a judge, arbitrator or mediator, or participation as an attorney in litigation, arbitration or mediation, with at least three years’ experience working with Indian Tribes as a judge or tribal attorney.
•    Good moral character and ability to competently perform the duties of the office; never been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to a felony or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.

•    Juris Doctor Degree
•    Maintain a current insurable driver’s license.

Additional information

Equal Opportunity and Indian Preference: The Morongo Band of Mission Indians strives to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the policy of nondiscrimination based on race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status or any other non job-related factor. Among qualified applicants, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians will give preference to the qualified Native applicants.