Michele Mitchell

272 Ho-Chunk Plaza, Suite A

Winnebago, NE 68071
mmitchell@bigfirelaw.com

TRIBAL AFFILIATION

Enrolled member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (U.S.) and the Mohawks of Akwesasne (Canada)

EDUCATION

BAR ADMISSIONS

New York

PRIOR LEGAL EXPERIENCE

General Counsel for the Seneca Nation (2020-2022); Associate Counsel and Deputy General Counsel for the Seneca Nation (2015-2020); General Counsel for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and for our Gaming Operations (2008-2015) and (2003-2005); Attorney for the Native American Rights Fund (2002-2003); Staff Attorney for the National Indian Gaming Commission (2001-2002)

ASSOCIATIONS AND HONORS

Court of Appeals Judge-Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe; Potsdam Association of Native Americans-Vice President (1994-1996)

PRACTICE AREAS

Michele has focused her practice in the area of Indian Law since graduating from law school in 1999.  She has worked on the national level for the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Native American Rights Fund. In addition, Michele has developed extensive experience representing tribes as General Counsel for two of the largest Native American tribes in New York State, the Seneca Nation and her own tribe, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.  This has provided her with a broad base of experience in all areas of tribal government representation, including gaming regulation and development, economic development, public safety matters, and tribal code development.  In addition Michele has extensive experience in negotiations with state and federal officials on behalf of tribes involving federal and state funding agreements, policing agreements with the State of New York, Indian Health Service agreements and other state and federal funding agreements.