Tribe accepting applications for chief justice position

Posted by Bill Donovan | May 21, 2015 | News |

WINDOW ROCK

The Navajo Nation is now accepting applications for people who want to be Chief Justice of the Navajo Supreme Court.

Herb Yazzie, the former chief justice, retired as of last Friday, making Associate Justice Eleanor Shirley the acting chief justice at the present time.

There are a number of requirements and qualifications that an applicant for chief justice must comply with, according to the Navajo Nation Code.

The applicant must have a degree from a four-year accredited college or university and while a law degree is not required, the tribal code said it is preferred.

Other qualifications:

• Must be an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation;
• Must be a member of the Navajo Bar Association in good standing;
• Must never have been removed from office;
• Must have never had a felony conviction;
• Must not have any apparent conflicts of interests;
• Must have an active driver’s license;
• Must have four years of experience in some law-related profession;
• Must have an understanding of Navajo language and culture;
• Must have managerial experience;
• And must have writing ability.

Persons who want to apply should do so by sending in applications to the tribe’s Judicial Branch.

The applications are reviewed by the Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee.