Rachel R. Felix
Senior Associate Attorney
Rachel R. Felix
Senior Associate Attorney
Rachel R.
Felix (Diné) is a Senior Associate, and an enrolled member of the
Navajo Nation. Rachel is a results-driven, solutions-focused attorney who helps
navigate the complex layers of Tribal and federal laws. Her practice includes areas
related to tribal government, administrative law, regulations, permitting,
legislation, public policy, land issues, code development, animal welfare,
protecting tribal resources, intergovernmental agreements, economic development,
business transactions, gaming, employment, Tribal enrollment, Indian child
welfare, and litigation. Rachel has advised Tribal governments, Tribal-owned
entities, Native-owned small businesses, and Native American individuals
throughout Indian Country in litigation, business transactions, administrative
cases, appeals, governance and other legal forums. Rachel enjoys problem-solving,
settling disputes, negotiations, developing legal strategies, navigating legal challenges,
and producing practical results that help clients achieve a fair outcome. As Tribal
member and a fierce advocate for Tribal interests, Rachel cares deeply about our
clients' success.
Rachel was
born and raised in Dinétah, her beloved homeland on the Navajo Nation. Rachel's
background and chosen career path demonstrate her personal values, commitment and
dedication to justice, self-determination, and advancement for Indigenous
sovereign nations and people. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys going on adventures,
and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
Ms.
Felix is currently licensed to practice law only in the District of Columbia, State of
New Mexico, and several Tribal Courts. Her practice is limited to Federal
Indian Law, Tribal Law, Tribal Courts, and federal law.
Awards
and Achievements:
The
Best Lawyers in America © Ones to Watch, Native American Law, 2021, 2022
Pro Bono
Service Award, Lewis Roca, 2020, 2021
Mary Beth
& W. Richard West, Jr. Award for Excellence in Indian Law, 2016
Presentations:
Panelist, "Tribal
Jurisdiction Case Updates," CNIGA Western Indian Gaming Conference, 2020
Presenter,
"Construction on Tribal Land," AZ State Bar Construction Law Seminar, 2019
Admissions
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District of Columbia (2021)
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State Bar of New Mexico (2017)
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Federal Bar Association, United States District Court, District of New Mexico (2017)
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Navajo Nation Bar Association (2016)
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Tohono O’odham (2017)
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Gila River Indian Community (2018)
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Colorado River Indian Tribes (2020)
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Ft. Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe (2022)
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Eastern Shoshone Tribe (2022)
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Tonto Apache Tribe (2022)
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Yavapai Apache Nation (2023)
Education
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Juris Doctor, Indian Law Certificate, 2016, University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Navajo Law Fellowship Scholar
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Master of Public Administration, concentration in Public Management, 2016, University of New Mexico School of Public Administration, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Bachelor of University Studies, cum laude, 2008, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Chief Manuelito Scholar
Leadership and Experience
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President , New Mexico Indian Bar Assoc. Board of Directors, 2023-2026
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Lead ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) Attorney, Rosette, LLP, 2022-2023
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Commissioner, Navajo Nation Board of Bar Commissioners, Navajo Nation Bar Association, 2019-2021
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Judicial Branch Representative, Commission on Navajo Government Development, 2018-2019
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Editor-In-Chief, Tribal Law Journal, University of New Mexico School of Law 2015-2016
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Clinical Law Student Practitioner, Southwest Indian Law Clinic (SILC), 2016
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Student Liaison, New Mexico Tribal-State Judicial Consortium, 2015-2016
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Internship, Pueblo of Acoma Tribal Courts, 2015
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Participant, Arturo L. Jaramillo Summer Law Clerk Program, NM State Bar’s Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession, 2014
