Together we rise: Native attorneys take their federal oath

Community lies at the heart of the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. For its alumni, success isn’t just about one person — it’s about strengthening a movement. These dedicated advocates work to defend Tribal sovereignty, amplify Native voices and ensure Indigenous representation in the legal system.

Jordan Hale (JD ’09) and Autumn Shone (JD ’23) reached a significant milestone in their legal careers as they took their oath of admission at the Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse. This distinguished moment, allowing them to represent clients in the District Court of Arizona, was made possible through the sponsorship of April Olson (JD ’06) and officiated by the Honorable Diane J. Humetewa (JD ’93). 

Humetewa, an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe, is a trailblazer in the legal community, holding the historic distinction of being the first Native American woman to serve as a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.

“Representation matters,” Olson said. “It was only 100 years ago, in the Globe Equity Decree litigation, that Natives weren’t even allowed to represent themselves in federal litigation. It is so important for plaintiffs, victims, defendants, attorneys, judges and people on juries to see people from their communities practicing in federal court, especially when tribal interests are at stake.”

“It was almost too much, it felt hard to understand why such accomplished people would spend so much time on something I'm involved in,” said Hale. “Their kind words and generosity with their time impressed on me the importance of sharing any knowledge or experience I have with Native students or attorneys when I have a chance.”

For law students from Tribal communities, witnessing Native American attorneys take their oath of office at the federal level was a powerful affirmation: Native voices belong in every space, including the highest levels of the legal profession.

“Native Americans only make up a small percentage of the federal bench, despite the high number of Indian law cases that happen in the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Red Eagle, a third-year JD student who attended the ceremony. “We need judges that understand and respect federal Indian law, and Judge Humetewa is a prime example of what it means to honor Tribal governments as sovereign nations.” 

Beaming with joy and pride, Humetewa welcomed each guest and encouraged them to introduce themselves. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Judge William C. Canby Jr., a circuit judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and a founding faculty member of ASU Law and the Indian Legal Program, Judge Greg Bigler, a Tribal Court judge and William Parnall, a New Mexico state court judge. 

Humetewa shared valuable insight about her experiences, what she enjoys about the legal profession, and the wisdom she has gained over the years while emphasizing the importance of attorneys developing expertise in multiple areas of law in addition to federal Indian law. She says global learning is about holistic issues and learning about those issues.

Advocacy is not just about arguing. It’s about active listening, understanding your rules of evidence and what you can and cannot admit. “There is a beautiful tapestry of rules, processes and procedures,” said Humetewa. “Once you get that down, you can bring in your facts and then argue your case.”

When asked what keeps her going, she responded: “The law is fascinating; every day is different. We get a wide array of cases and that keeps me going. What also helps is I get to work with young lawyers who are new in their practice, getting their foothold and working through these issues with us. It keeps me invigorated because I learn new things from them.”

This ceremony held deep significance, as Native attorneys remain underrepresented in the legal field, especially at the federal level. Seeing two Indigenous legal professionals take this significant step not only highlights the progress being made but also underscores the importance of increasing Native representation in law, policy and decision-making spaces.

For Native students, moments like these reaffirm their own aspirations. Witnessing fellow Native attorneys reach these milestones sends a clear message: You belong here. Your voice matters. Your work is shaping the future of Indian law and beyond. 

The presence of ILP alumni, mentors and peers in the courtroom further demonstrated the strength of the community, showing students that they are not alone on this journey.

“The whole ceremony felt rooted in community and identity,” said Red Eagle. “April Olson did an amazing job of fully introducing the attorneys getting sworn in, and made sure that Judge Humetewa knew that these folks were raised in Indian Country.”

Their achievement reinforces that Indigenous legal advocates are breaking barriers. 

“They are an asset to the legal profession, and I am confident they will continue defending Tribal sovereignty in all jurisdictions,” said Olson. “Like me, Jordan and April are both also ILP alums. The ILP gave me the tools to be a good attorney and set me on my career path. I am forever grateful for the program. So, it was extra special for me to sponsor two alums.”

Building Community through Mentorship

The ceremony served as a testament to the profound influence of mentorship, highlighting the invaluable guidance, encouragement and wisdom that experienced professionals impart to the next generation of Native legal advocates. Mentorship not only shapes better attorneys and stronger advocates for Tribal clients but also enhances the quality of legal services provided to Tribes in Indian Country. By instilling confidence in new or inexperienced attorneys, mentorship fosters resilience and inspires them to continue advancing in the profession.

“Mentorship has played an important role in encouraging me to do things I might not otherwise dare to do, to do those things with more confidence and to think critically about whether I'm doing things the best way,” said Hale. “Many people have selflessly provided valuable mentorship, and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out, so at this time I'll say I want to acknowledge April, Roshanna and Autumn. I appreciate being able to work with them and I learn so much from them every day.”

Humetewa, who was one of three Native American students in her graduating class at ASU Law, paid tribute to programs like the Pre-Law Summer Institute and ILP for their efforts in working with Native communities to identify people who are committed to justice and the administration of justice in Indian Country.

Reflecting on her own journey, she shared a personal regret: “Law school was such a struggle for me, I missed out on all these opportunities,” Humetewa said. “Take the time to enjoy it. Enjoy the process. Enjoy that learning. You’ll never have that experience again. You’ll build great relationships for a lifetime.”

Written by Danielle Williams