Professional Profile
Carol L. Barbero
Of Counsel- Washington DC
- Tel: 202.822.8282
- Fax: 202.296.8834
- Email: cbarbero@hobbsstraus.com
Carol Barbero has been practicing law with Hobbs Straus since its founding in 1982, and was named partner in 1987. Focusing primarily on Indian health, education, and self-determination issues, Carol seeks to advance the quality of life in Indian communities and strengthen the right of tribes and tribal organizations to govern themselves. Her proudest achievements are policy advancements that secure lasting benefits for Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
Carol served as a key team member in the historic 1995-1996 negotiated rule-making proceeding that produced regulations to implement the revised Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA).
Carol is one of only a few U.S. attorneys whose practice focuses on Indian education law and policy. She has represented tribal schools and Indian education organizations throughout her tenure with Hobbs Straus, and served as a lead advocate for the Indian-related amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1988, 1994 and the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001-2002.
Carol also works in the legislative arena drafting legislation and actively advocating on a variety of Indian topics, particularly education, health, and appropriations issues. She was the lead Washington attorney in the coalition representing tribal health interests during congressional action on Medicaid Reform in 1995-1996, and continues to represent tribes on Medicare and Medicaid policy issues. Additionally, she leads the Firm’s work on Indian Country efforts to reauthorize and update the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
Prior to joining Hobbs Straus, Carol worked for six years as a legislative assistant in the House of Representatives. She began her Indian law practice at the Washington, D.C., firm of Wilkinson, Cragun & Barker.
A life-long (and often long-suffering) Pittsburgh Pirates fan, Carol also enjoys listening to the music of the Italian masters: Rossini, Pavarotti, and Sinatra.
Of Note
Participant in historic ISDEAA negotiated rule-making proceeding (1995-1996)
Technical adviser to tribal representatives in No Child Left Behind Act negotiated rule-making proceeding (2003)
Technical adviser to tribal members of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Tribal Technical Advisory Group (2003-present)
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1978
Allegheny College, B.A.
Bar Admissions
District of Columbia
