LOWER BRULE SIOUX TRIBAL COURT

 ASSOCIATE JUDGE POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

The Associate Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding cases and matters within the jurisdiction of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribal Court pursuant to the LBST Tribal Code of Justice.

Duties & Functions:

• Adjudicates criminal, civil, and  juvenile cases as assigned by the Chief Judge.
• Hears cases, makes evidentiary rulings, reviews pleadings and issues final orders, judgments, and decisions. Conducts legal research and issues timely decisions.
• 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, and LBST tribal administration personnel.
• Issues orders, judgments, decrees, minute entries, summonses, subpoenas, search warrants, bench/arrest warrants arrest and other lawful orders of the court.
• Assist with the development and implementation of appropriate policies, procedures, court forms and grant applications as directed and/or authorized by the Chief Judge.
• Performs other duties that may be assigned by the Chief Judge.
• The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and analyze, interpret and apply in written form the LBST Tribal laws.
• Use Microsoft Windows operating system, Microsoft Office Suite and other computer software.
• Conduct effective legal research.
• Exercise sound legal judgment in rendering legal opinions, reports and interpretation of facts and law.

Qualifications:

• Must be a graduate of ABA accredited law school and a member in good standing of the South Dakota Bar Association.
• Must possess knowledge of LBST laws, court rules and procedures, and applicable federal statues such as the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA), Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Tribal Law and Order Act.
• Must have the ability to understand and apply the laws and rules of the LBST Tribe with impartiality; excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact and respect. 
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Law degree from ABA accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the South Dakota State Bar Association.
• Knowledge or experience with Indian Law and/or working with tribal communities.

Salary:   Negotiable, depending on experience

Closing Date:   May 20, 2024

Applications shall be in writing, to include a professional resume, legal qualifications and any other submissions at the option of the applicant.  Native American preference applies.  Contact Chief Judge Lorrie Miner at Lower Brule  Tribal Court if you have any questions and please submit application materials to lorrieminer@lowerbrule.net