Miller Nash is pleased to announce that experienced tribal attorney Ethel Branch has joined the firm. Based in the firm’s Seattle office, Ethel advises tribal governments and enterprises on a wide range of legal, governance, and business matters.
“Ethel is a highly respected leader whose work at the highest levels of tribal government gives her a deep understanding of the legal, economic, and governance issues facing tribal nations today,” said Brie Coyle Jones, leader of Miller Nash’s tribal governments & enterprises team. “Her dedication to advancing tribal sovereignty and supporting strong, thriving tribal nations aligns perfectly with our practice and our values. We are thrilled to welcome Ethel to the team and look forward to the tremendous impact she will have for our clients and the communities they serve.”
Drawing on her experience as former Attorney General to the Navajo Nation, Ethel provides strategic counsel on issues involving tribal sovereignty, governmental operations, economic development, gaming, taxation, finance, regulatory compliance, and high-stakes disputes. She has extensive experience working with tribal leaders, federal agencies, and state officials to address sensitive intergovernmental issues and develop solutions that advance tribal priorities while navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
“I'm delighted to join Miller Nash and take this next step in my career serving tribal nations,” said Ethel. “Throughout my career, I've worked to advance tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and I'm excited to continue that work alongside such a talented team. I look forward to helping our clients achieve their goals in Indian Country and beyond.”
Prior to joining Miller Nash, Ethel served as the 11th and 13th Attorney General of the Navajo Nation, where she led efforts to protect the Nation’s water and voting rights and enhance public health and safety. She also served as a Deputy County Attorney with the Coconino County Attorney’s Office. Earlier in her career, Ethel practiced at a nationally recognized boutique tribal law firm, representing tribal governments and enterprises on a wide range of legal and governance matters.
About Ethel Branch
Ethel is a trusted advisor to tribal leaders, taking the time to understand each clients’ goals and priorities before leveraging her deep experience to help them achieve meaningful results. With significant experience in tribal finance and economic development, she advises clients on sophisticated financing transactions, capital projects, and economic development initiatives. Ethel also helps tribes protect and advance their sovereign interests through both litigation and negotiation. She regularly advises on matters involving sovereign authority, treaty rights, risk management, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance, offering practical guidance informed by her firsthand experience in tribal government. Her practice also includes structuring and reviewing financing documents and advising on the legal and regulatory considerations associated with major infrastructure and business investments. Ethel received her A.B. from Harvard University before earning her M.P.P. from Harvard Kennedy School and her law degree from Harvard Law School.
About Miller Nash LLP’s Tribal Governments & Enterprises Team
Miller Nash’s lawyers are proud to provide legal counsel and guidance to many tribes and their enterprises. We have the extensive experience and understanding to address the complex and sophisticated legal needs of tribal governments, organizations and enterprises, while protecting each tribe’s sovereignty.
Our tribal governments & enterprises team understands that not only are tribes unique from other governments and enterprises, but each tribe itself is also unique. The depth and breadth of attorneys’ knowledge comes from having worked on numerous matters for a variety of tribes—from newly recognized landless tribes, to tribes that have succeeded in spite of difficult geographic obstructions, to tribes with checkerboard reservations located in urban areas. Our team provides counsel to tribes and tribal entities in the areas of gaming, tax, liquor, real estate, construction, cannabis, intellectual property, labor and employment, data privacy, and other economic development matters, including obtaining financing for infrastructure improvements, gaming facilities, and hotel properties.
We also regularly represent non-tribal clients in transactions with tribes and tribal enterprises, and advise them on regulatory and jurisdictional issues, as well as the nuts and bolts of entering into contracts with tribes and tribal enterprises.
