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Tribal Judge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hualapai Tribe

Associate Judge

Peach Springs, AZ · On-site

Tribal Court EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time CLASS: Non-Covered; Exempt - Council Appointed POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Judge will preside over cases as assigned by the Chief Judge in the Hualapai ...

Douglas County (NV)

Tribal Prosecutor

Minden, NV

$101K - $168K/yr

Prepares and presents cases for prosecution and adjudication in the Washoe Tribal Court. Confers ... Exercises professional judgment in making charging decisions and filing criminal complaints and/or ...

Hualapai Tribe

Associate Judge

Peach Springs, AZ · On-site

Tribal Court EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time CLASS: Non-Covered; Exempt - Council Appointed POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Judge will preside over cases as assigned by the Chief Judge in the Hualapai ...

Douglas County, NV

Tribal Prosecutor

Minden, NV · On-site

$101K - $168K/yr

Exercises professional judgment in making charging decisions and filing criminal complaints and/or ... Represents the Tribe in criminal trials or juvenile fact-findings, and all Inter-Tribal Court of ...

Meskwaki Nation

Tribal Energy Manager

Tama, IA

... exercise initiative and judgment in carrying out duties and responsibilities. DUTIES ... Tribal Hazard Mitigation and/or Emergency planning. -Assist Housing Director in facilitating and ...

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Tribal Judge information

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$20K

$68.2K

$146.5K

How much do tribal judge jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for tribal judge in the United States is $68,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tribal judge?

To thrive as a Tribal Judge, you generally need a strong understanding of tribal law, federal Indian law, and judicial procedures, often supported by a law degree or extensive legal experience within tribal courts. Familiarity with case management systems and legal research databases, as well as possible certification from tribal judicial organizations, is common. Integrity, impartiality, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills are crucial soft skills that distinguish effective judges. These qualifications ensure fair, culturally informed decision-making and uphold justice within tribal communities.

What is the difference between Tribal Judge vs Tribal Court Clerk?

AspectTribal JudgeTribal Court Clerk
Required CredentialsLegal education, often a law degree, and sometimes bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent; administrative or legal training often preferred
Work EnvironmentCourts within tribal jurisdictions, presiding over legal casesTribal court offices, assisting with case management and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTribal governments, legal institutions within tribesTribal courts, tribal government offices

While a Tribal Judge presides over legal cases and makes judicial decisions, a Tribal Court Clerk handles administrative duties like maintaining case records. Both roles are essential within tribal justice systems but differ significantly in responsibilities and required credentials.

What unique challenges might a tribal judge face when balancing traditional tribal laws with federal or state legal requirements?

Tribal Judges often navigate the complex intersection of traditional tribal customs and contemporary federal or state legal frameworks. This requires a strong understanding of both tribal sovereignty and the external laws that may impact tribal court decisions. Balancing respect for cultural traditions with adherence to broader legal standards can be challenging, especially when jurisdictional issues arise or when federal laws affect tribal matters. Judges must engage in ongoing education and collaborate closely with tribal leaders, attorneys, and other courts to ensure fair and culturally sensitive outcomes.

What is a tribal judge?

Tribal Judges are judicial officers who preside over legal matters within a Native American tribe’s court system. They interpret and enforce tribal laws, resolve disputes, and ensure justice is served according to the tribe’s customs and regulations. Tribal Judges may handle cases involving civil, criminal, and family law, and their authority is rooted in the tribe’s sovereignty. They play a critical role in upholding tribal traditions and ensuring fair legal proceedings for tribal members.
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What states have the most Tribal Judge jobs?

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Tribal Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tribal Judge job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,205 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Chief Judge/Court Administrator/Healing to Wellness Court Judge

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

WI • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary: Negotiable
Location : Red Cliff, Wisconsin
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: TC10006
Division: Tribal Administration
Department: Tribal Court
Opening Date: 04/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Chief Judge/Court Administrator/Healing to Wellness Court Judge
LOCATION: Judicial Branch, Red Cliff Tribal Court
SALARY: Negotiable depending on qualifications
SUPERVISOR(S): Day-to-day supervision provided by Tribal Chair and Vice-Chair, with Tribal Council as ultimate supervisor.
THIS IS A REGULAR PART-TIME EXEMPT POSITION
JOB SUMMARY: Chief Judge and Court Administrator, directing and coordinating judicial operations of the Red Cliff Tribal Court, supervising court staff and managing operations of all Court programs.
Examples of Duties
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: As Chief Judge and Court Administrator, you will provide a full range of administrative and judicial services, including:
  • Hearing cases in the trial and appellate court(s) and exercising the full range of civil jurisdiction granted by the Red Cliff Tribal Council as set forth in the Red Cliff Code of Laws.

  • Assign cases to Associate Judges as needed.

  • Supervise and provide the Court Clerk and Assistant Clerk in effective maintenance of court records and managing court procedures.

  • Prepare and issue written orders, judgments, search and arrest warrants, and perform other judicial duties.

  • Conduct legal research and writing, when necessary, for timely court decisions and opinions.

  • Develop and implement new or improved policies and procedures consistent with the Tribe's needs and tribal law and policy.

  • Attend judicial training sessions and meetings, as needed.

  • Keep accurate records of caseloads and court hearings for quarterly and annual reports to Tribal Council, BIA (638 contract), Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (Voigt Judicial Services contract) and other funding agencies.

  • Administer the Tribal Court budget.

  • Administer Oaths of Office for Tribal Council and Law Enforcement.

As Healing to Wellness Court Judges, you will:
  • Oversee the cases of the Red Cliff Healing to Wellness Court and strive to implement similar methods of alternative healing court methods.

  • Must maintain confidentiality due to nature of certain cases such as ICW matters.

  • Attend Healing to Wellness Court meetings and trainings.

  • Maintain general knowledge of addiction and continuing education regarding new research and best or promising practices for treatment courts and interventions for cooccurring mental/substance disorders.

  • Provide guidance and supervision to Healing to Wellness Court clients.

  • Assist with the collection and maintenance of performance outcome data.

  • Assist with cross-training and orientation of new hires or Healing to Wellness Court team members.

  • Assist the Finance Department with fiscal, contractual, and grant funding reports/requirements.

  • Assist in the creating as well as updating Court Policies, Procedures, and Protocols and ensure fidelity to the same.

  • Expand services of Tribal Healing to Wellness Court through collaboration with local jurisdictions.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: Supervise Associate Judges, Court Clerk, Assistant Clerk, and contractual services.
Typical Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE: Must have working knowledge of courtroom procedures, the Red Cliff Constitution and Laws of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewas and other secondary sources of authority that may assist in the development of tribal law. Must have working knowledge of Indian Civil Rights Act; trust responsibilities of the Federal Government; civil and criminal law concepts; and the cultures, traditions, and values of the people of the Red Cliff Reservation.
QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must meet each of the following qualifications
  1. Must be at least 35 years of age.
  2. No felony convictions, unless pardoned.
  3. Law degree preferred. Some level of post-secondary education required.
  4. Red Cliff Tribal Member preferred; must be a member of an Ojibwe Tribe.
  5. Must be of good character and reputation.
  6. Must be able to travel to attend trainings and meetings as required.
  7. Must be able to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources of authority as necessary for the development of tribal law.
  8. Must pass a thorough background investigation.
  9. Must have a valid driver's license. Must maintain driver's eligibility as a condition of employment. Must be eligible to be put on the Tribe's vehicle insurance policy.
  10. Must possess experience as a judge with at least two (2) years of experience practicing in court on a full-time basis.

Supplemental Information
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Daily with Tribal Court personnel, defendants, Indian Child Welfare department staff, law enforcement officers, and attorneys.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Position is mainly sitting with some walking, stooping, and bending required. Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. May be required to store and lift boxes in overhead storage.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Tribal courthouse and professional office setting.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Will be required to attend trainings and meetings both in-state and out-of-state.
BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE: The vision, goals and objectives of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa requires that the employee performs in both a professional and personable manner. The manner in which the employee relates to fellow employees, customers and visitors is considered parallel in importance to technical knowledge and ability. Respect and consideration given to the dignity of each customer, visitor and fellow employee is a requisite of successful job performance. Any behavior or attitude that tarnishes the name or image of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Indian preference will be applied in the case of equally qualified applicants, but all qualified applicants will be considered.
This job description is subject to change at employer's discretion, after consultation with the employee.
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: The following items are required for this position:
  1. Completed Tribal Application, to include work history and references, available on the Tribal website.
  2. Tribal Background Investigation Disclosure; available on the Tribal website.
  3. Consent to Release Liability and Reference Information Form; available on the Tribal website.
  4. Resume, required; cover letter, optional.
  5. Post-secondary transcripts or certifications; if applicable.
  6. Must provide three (3) letters of reference, required.
  7. Must complete a writing sample that demonstrates an ability to conduct appropriate analysis of sometimes complex legal issues and an ability to clearly convey reasoning used in arriving at legal conclusions, required.
Please download the forms from the links below. Complete the forms and save them. Then, please upload and attach them as "other" attachments with your application.
Consent Form
Tribal Background Investigation Form
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Red Cliff Tribal Administration Building
Personnel Office
88455 Pike Road
Bayfield, WI 54814
www.redcliff-nsn.gov
hr-helpdesk@redcliff-nsn.gov
(715) 779-3700
The Red Cliff Tribal Council has a Drug Free Work Place Policy and adheres to the intent of the Drug Free Work Place Act. All new hires are subject to a drug test prior to starting.
ALL APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH THE RED CLIFF TRIBE ARE SUBJECTED TO THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF RCCL CHAPTER 43, AND THAT YOU ARE UNDER A CONTINUEING OBLIGATION TO SUPPLEMENT THIS APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY CONVICTIONS THAT OCCUR AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE TRIBE.
01
Are you at least 35 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a law degree or some level of post-secondary education? Please explain.
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have experience as a judge with at least two (2) years of experience practicing in court on a full-time basis?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Apply