Justice of the Supreme Court

Justice of the Supreme Court Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Branch:
Judicial Branch – Supreme Court

Location:

McLoud, Oklahoma Position Type:
Judicial Appointment / Contract, as applicable

Reports To:

Supreme Court / General Council as provided by Tribal law Position Summary The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma is seeking a qualified, ethical, and impartial individual to serve as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.

The Justice serves as a member of the Tribe's highest court and is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals, reviewing matters properly brought before the Supreme Court, interpreting and applying the Constitution, laws, ordinances, court rules, and customs of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, and protecting the integrity and independence of the Tribal Judicial Branch.

The Justice must demonstrate sound legal judgment, impartiality, professionalism, respect for Tribal sovereignty, and a commitment to the fair and consistent administration of justice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities The Justice's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Hear and decide appeals and other matters properly brought before the Supreme Court.

Review lower court records, transcripts, pleadings, motions, briefs, exhibits, orders, and other materials relevant to appellate proceedings.

Conduct legal research concerning Tribal law, applicable federal law, court precedent, and other legal authorities when appropriate.

Interpret and apply the Constitution, laws, ordinances, codes, court rules, and other governing authorities of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.

Participate in oral arguments, hearings, judicial conferences, deliberations, and other Supreme Court proceedings.

Evaluate legal arguments presented by parties and counsel in an impartial and independent manner.

Participate in the preparation, review, and issuance of Supreme Court opinions, orders, judgments, mandates, and other judicial decisions.

Draft majority, concurring, or dissenting opinions when appropriate.

Ensure decisions are supported by applicable law, the record before the Court, and appropriate legal reasoning.

Review questions concerning the jurisdiction and authority of the Tribal Court when properly presented.

Protect and uphold the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma consistent with Tribal law and applicable federal law.

Maintain the independence and integrity of the Judicial Branch.

Maintain appropriate separation between judicial decision-making and the legislative and executive functions of Tribal government.

Avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest and disclose or recuse from matters when required by applicable law or judicial ethical standards.

Maintain strict confidentiality concerning judicial deliberations, sealed records, juvenile matters, personnel matters, and other protected information.

Treat litigants, attorneys, witnesses, court employees, Tribal officials, and members of the public fairly and respectfully.

Maintain professional courtroom conduct and judicial temperament.

Attend scheduled Supreme Court proceedings and judicial conferences.

Review matters and issue decisions within reasonable and applicable time frames.

Participate in the development and review of Supreme Court rules and procedures when authorized.

Perform other judicial responsibilities authorized or required by the laws of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.

Minimum Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications for service as a Supreme Court Justice established by the Constitution, Judicial System Ordinance, laws, and other applicable requirements of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.

Preferred qualifications include:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Current license to practice law and membership in good standing with an applicable state, Tribal, or federal bar.

Previous experience as a judge, attorney, prosecutor, public defender, Guardian ad Litem, appellate practitioner, or other legal professional.

Experience with Tribal Courts, federal Indian law, Tribal sovereignty, or Native American legal matters strongly preferred.

Experience conducting legal research and analyzing complex legal issues.

Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, well-reasoned legal opinions and orders.

No disqualifying conflicts of interest or other circumstances that would interfere with the independent performance of judicial duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The successful candidate should possess:

Strong knowledge of legal principles,…