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Position Summary:

The Associate Judge serves as a judicial officer of the St. Croix Tribal Court and is responsible for fairly, impartially, and competently hearing and deciding cases within the Court’s jurisdiction pursuant to St. Croix Tribal Law, Court Rules, and applicable federal law. The Associate Judge exercises independent judicial authority over assigned case dockets and ensures timely, well-reasoned decisions that uphold tribal sovereignty, due process, and the administration of justice.

 

The Associate Judge does not serve as a court administrator and shall exercise supervisory authority solely for purposes of managing their own assigned case dockets, courtroom proceedings, and case flow.

 

Essential Functions:

  • Preside over hearings, trials, and proceedings as assigned by the Chief Judge.
  • Rule on motions, evidentiary issues, and procedural matters.
  • Issue written orders, judgments, findings of fact, and conclusions of law in a timely manner.
  • Ensure due process and fairness for all parties.
  • Interpret and apply St. Croix Tribal Law, Court Rules, and federal law where applicable.
  • Maintain courtroom decorum and judicial ethics.
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Associate Judge Job Duties and Responsibilities:

 

Judicial Responsibilities

  • Hear all matters coming before the Court within Tribal Court jurisdiction.
  • Review pleadings, evidence, and legal arguments.
  • Conduct legal research and issue written decisions.
  • Prepare and approve court orders, judgments, summons, and related judicial documents.
  • Manage assigned docket efficiently and in compliance with applicable timelines.
  • Ensure proper recordkeeping for proceedings under the Associate Judge’s docket.

 

Docket Management Authority (Limited Supervisory Role)

  • Provide procedural direction to clerks solely as necessary to manage assigned case dockets.
  • Coordinate scheduling, filings, and courtroom logistics related to assigned matters.
  • Ensure timely processing of cases under the Associate Judge’s authority.

(This authority does not extend to hiring, discipline, performance evaluations, or general court administration.)

 

Professional and Institutional Responsibilities

  • Participate in judicial trainings and continuing legal education.
  • Attend court meetings as directed by the Chief Judge.
  • Collaborate professionally with court staff, attorneys, advocates, and community partners.
  • Stay up to date on Tribal laws of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin and any federal laws which may affect tribal court decision making.
  • Uphold the St. Croix Tribal Court Judicial Rules of Conduct and ethical standards.
  • Perform additional judicial functions as assigned by the Chief Judge.
  • At the direction of, and with 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 discipling employees and (d) addressing complaints and resolving problems.

 

Note: The essential functions are intended to describe the general contents of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented as outlined by the incumbent’s immediate manager.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Limited to case flow management oversight of Court Clerk(s) and other Tribal Court Staff where necessary.

Directly Reporting to: The Chief Judge, St. Croix Tribal Council and St. Croix Tribal Legal Department.

Matrix of INDIRECT Reporting: Collaborate with the Legal Department 

 

St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Leadership will strive to uphold the mission, vision, and values of the organization. They will serve as role models for staff and act in a people centered, service excellence-focused and results oriented manner.

 

Scope and Complexity:

Interacts with all levels of management and employees; trusted with maintaining confidentiality and relaying highly sensitive information, and appropriate application of business operations and practices.

 

Physical Demands/Environment Factors:

  • Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking.
  • May be required to lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Requires significant use of personal computer, phone and general office equipment.
  • Needs adequate visual acuity, ability to grasp and handle objects. 
  • Need ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on the telephone.
  • May require off-site travel by air or ground.

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Must be (18) years of age or older.
  • Must have valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance and good driving record and eligible to be insurable within the St. Croix Chippewa Property & Casualty Fleet requirements.
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-approved law school.
  • Generally eligible to sit for the bar exam in any U.S. jurisdiction.
  • Strong legal research, writing, and legal analysis skills.
  • Ability to apply tribal law impartially and competently.
  • Professional demeanor with high ethical standards.
  • Ability to manage a judicial docket efficiently.
  • Be competent to preform all the duties of the position; be of good moral character; be emotionally stable and mature; be committed to equal justice under the law; be patient and courteous; and be capable of deliberation and decisiveness. 
  • Possess basic to intermediate level computer skills and ability to access information in meaningful ways. 
  • Possess skills in conflict resolution and team building. 
  • Must have demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all levels of employees and managers.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Be either a St. Croix Tribal Member or descendant preferred but not required. 
  • Have 3 or more years’ experience in Tribal Court, or possess substantial legal education or experience, as determined by the St. Croix Tribal Council that enables to applicant to perform the primary duties and responsibilities listed above.
  • Possess knowledge of St. Croix Tribal Laws, court rules and procedures, and applicable federal statues such as the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA), Indian Child welfare Act (ICWA). Courtroom procedures; trust responsibilities of Federal Government; civil and criminal law concepts, and the cultures, traditions and values of the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe.

 

Native American Preference Given in Accordance with P.L. 93-638 and Amendments

The offer is conditional based on confirmation that the candidate meets all specific criteria required (background check, driver’s insurability verification, references, identity verification, and other applicable requirements).