Cheif Judge

Request for Qualifications

Chief Judge

The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon ("Tribe") seeks
letters of interest for the position of Chief Judge. The Tribe is a federally recognized
Indian Nation located within the boundaries of Yamhill and Polk Counties in the state of
Oregon. The Tribe consists of approximately 6,007 Tribal members. The Tribal
government provides a wide variety of government services including health, law
enforcement, conservation, education, family services, Indian Child Welfare, land
management, cultural, roads, maintenance, historic preservation, and elderly services. In
addition, the Tribe operates a gaming facility, a convenience store, and a construction
company.

The Tribe currently operates a Tribal Court and has adopted several ordinances that
govern cases that come before the Court. In addition, the Court has adopted by
promulgation the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
as well as the local district and circuit rules, and the Federal Rules of Evidence. The
Court does not currently exercise criminal jurisdiction, nor does it conduct jury trials.

This is a part-time, Tribal Council appointed position with a term of two years. The
compensation of the Chief Judge is established by contract with the Tribe. Preference in
contracting will be given to members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and
members of other Federally Recognized Indian Tribes.

The Chief Judge of the Tribal Court provides a full range of judicial services by hearing
cases in the trial court including, but not limited to, Child Welfare; general civil matters;
divorce; employment; torts; housing disputes; probate; small claims; ethics; election
contests; enrollment; and gaming commission license revocations. The Chief Judge is
responsible for the supervision of the Court Administrator who is responsible for the
management of the office and supervision of Court employees.

The statutory prerequisites to qualify for appointment include:

1. Must have a J.D. or LL.B degree from an ABA accredited law school;
2. Must be a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Court Bar;
3. Must be a member of the Oregon State Bar, or a member of any state bar that grants
reciprocity to the Oregon State Bar;
4. Must have a minimum of 10 years experience practicing law (which may include
service on a tribal, federal or state court bench); and
5. Must have a demonstrable knowledge of Indian, Federal, and Oregon law.

Persons interested must submit a letter of interest, resume, and proof of enrollment in a
Federally Recognized Indian Tribe, if available, by 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 2026.
Letters, resumes, and proof of enrollment may be submitted by mail, fax, or email to the
address and email listed below:

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Attn: Tribal Court
9615 Grand Ronde Rd.
Grand Ronde Oregon 97347
Fax: 503-879-2269
Email: Shawn.Branson@grandronde.org

Any questions concerning this Request for Qualifications shall be forwarded, in writing,
by e-mail, or mail, as follows:

Conf. Tribes of Grand Ronde
Attention: Court Administrator Shawn Branson
9615 Grand Ronde Rd.
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
Shawn.Branson@grandronde.org

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