Lael Echo-Hawk - Resume'

Summary

A continuous record of accomplishment as a practicing attorney, specializing in public policy analysis, high-level intergovernmental negotiations and civil law. Practice includes counselor to chair of federal regulatory agency, legislative director for a tribal national tribal non-profit organization, representation of board of directors and subsidiary organizations in tribal organization with revenues in excess of $200,000,000.

 Developed process for consulting with tribes while reviewing and updating national regulatory structure. Successfully lead team of judges and attorneys to revise legislation governing award winning tribal court system. Provided advice and strategic policy analysis on national legislative and regulatory proposals to national economic development policy organization. Streamlined contract and regulation compliance process at a gaming organization by developing systems and procedures to ensure efficiency. Demonstrated ability to build coalitions and to bring consensus among diverse stakeholders on sensitive issues.

 Active in community service with emphasis on civil rights, diversity training and enhancing achievement opportunities for persons of color. Instructor in continuing legal education classes as well as area higher education institutions. Published author of numerous papers and presentations on complex legal issues. Singled out as a “Rising Star: Young Women Who Make a Difference” in profession.

Professional Experience

National Indian Gaming Commission Washington, District of Columbia

Counselor to the Chair September 2010 – October 2011

  • ·     Advise Chair on policy regulatory and decisions affecting gaming tribes.
    • Assist in developing process for consulting with tribes.
    • Led agency in review of regulatory structure and drafting necessary amendments and revisions.

Native American Contractors Association Washington, District of Columbia

Legislative Director January 2010 – September 2010

  • ·     Senior policy advisor regarding legislative, regulatory and judicial decisions impacting tribal economic development.
  • ·     Developed and maintained systems and procedures for tracking legislation and regulatory actions of interest to organization.
    • Review new legislation or regulation and provide analysis and recommend response.
    • Draft comprehensive written documents such as legislative briefing, letters to the Congress or Executive branch, case analysis, and position papers.

 The Tulalip Tribes of Washington Tulalip, Washington

Attorney September 2003 – January 2010

  • ·     General counsel to tribal government providing legal advice to Board of Directors.
  • ·     Draft and review tribal regulations and ordinances; track and provide input on proposed changes to federal and state legislation and regulations.
  • ·     Draft testimony and policy position statements and conveyed position to Congressional delegation.
  • ·     Draft and review commercial and employment contracts.
  • ·     Advise Gaming Organization on commercial transactions, labor, employment, insurance & compliance.
  • ·     Chartered tribal energy corporation under tribal ordinance; drafted Incorporation Articles & By-Laws.
  • ·     Represent tribal government in federal, state and tribal court.
  • ·     Train and supervise law clerks, social workers and employees.
  • ·     Advise Tribes on state and federal policy issues, legislation and regulations.
  • ·     Negotiate with other tribes and state officials on tribal gaming compacts.
    • Negotiate memorandums of agreement with state and local governments.

 Everett Community College Everett, Washington

Instructor 2008 - present

  • Tribal Enterprise Management Program – Tribal Governance Course

Columbia Legal Services-Native American Project Seattle, Washington

Goldmark Intern June 2002 – August 2002

  • ·       Coordinated statewide elders wills project.
  • ·       Research and analyze legal topics, including religious freedom and tribal enrollment.

 Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe LLP Seattle, Washington

Summer Associate June 2001 – September 2001

  • ·       Conducted legal research and analysis on variety of legal topics; assisted in discovery document review.

 Honorable Mary Yu, King County Superior Court         Seattle, Washington

Judicial Extern March 2001

  • Conducted legal research on Indian Child Welfare Act and assisted in drafting judicial opinion.

Education 

Juris Doctor, University of Washington – School of Law, Seattle, WA – June 2003

  • Vice-President, Student Bar Association, 2002-2003

BA, University of Washington, Seattle, WA – History & American Indian Studies, December 1999

 Professional Affiliations & Awards

 Washington State Bar Association, Admitted 2003

  • Tulalip Tribes Bar Association, Admitted 2002 
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Washington, Admitted 2004 
  • Washington Advisory Committee, United States Commission on Civil Rights, 2004-2006
  • Washington State Bar Association, Co-Chair, Committee for Diversity, 2004-2008
  • Washington State Bar Association, Chair, Indian Law Section, 2007-2008
  • Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce: Leadership Tomorrow, Class of 2005
  • National Native American Bar Association, President, 2009-2011 
  • Northwest Indian Bar Association Governing Council, President, 2008-2009
  • “Rising Star: Young Women Who Make a Difference,” Women of Color Empowered, 2007 
  • Prisoners Education Network, Board Member, 2006-2009 

Publications & Speaking Engagements

 “San Manuel’s ‘Treaty Exception’: Will the Tribes’ Treaty Right to Exclude Preclude Application of the National Labor Relations Act to Tribal Gaming Enterprises,” Indian Law Newsletter (September 2006).

  • “Ripples from San Manuel: What’s a Tribe to Do?” Indian Law Newsletter (November 2007).
  • Emerging Northwest Tribal Economies (2005-2010) 
  • National Intertribal Tax Alliance Conference (2005) 
  • Washington Statewide Diversity Conference (2009) 
  • Northwest Indian Gaming Conference and Expo (2008-2009) 
  • National Indian Gaming Association (2009) 
  • Tax Management for Tribes (2008) 
  • University of Washington Indian Law Symposium (2006, 2009)