Interview with Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee attorney and author

Monday, February 14, 2011  

"Walter R. Echo-Hawk Jr. offices in Crowe & Dunlevy's Tulsa office and serves as of counsel in the firm's Indian Law and Gaming Practice Group. A lawyer, tribal judge, scholar and activist, his legal experience includes cases involving Native American religious freedomand prisoner, water, treaty and reburial repatriation rights. Echo-Hawk has worked as a lawyer for the Native American Rights Fund for more than 35 years. He is a member of the Pawnee Nation, belonging to the Kitkahaki Band, and was born on the Pawnee reservation in Oklahoma.

1. As an attorney with Crowe & Dunlevy's Indian Law and Gaming Practice Group, what is your role within the organization?

As of counsel, my job is to bring depth and expertise to the important legal work of the Indian Law and Gaming Practice Group in meeting the needs of tribal clients. This includes litigation and negotiation assistance, as well as advice about how best to meet the legal needs of modern Indian nations. I also contribute to the development of federal Indian law bar on behalf of the firm through scholarly writing, teaching and appearances in professional and tribal gatherings throughout the state and the nation.

2. Prior to joining Crowe & Dunlevy, you served as a senior staff attorney at the Native American Rights Fund for 35 years. What opportunities were afforded you by joining the private practice?

It's a wonderful opportunity to practice federal Indian law in private practice with Crowe & Dunlevy because it's a full-service law firm. The 39 Indian tribes in Oklahoma are modern Indian nations working to provide sound governance and services to their communities. Many have legal needs that extend far beyond federal Indian law, and this firm has the wide expertise to meet those diverse needs."

Get the Story:
Indian attorney dedicated to rights (The Tulsa World 2/11)