Professional Profile

Christopher T. Stearns

Of Counsel

Chris Stearns, Navajo, sought a career in Indian law as a way to help protect the legal and human rights of Native Americans. Over the course of his career, Chris has worked at the state and federal level to advance the health and rights of Native Americans, youth, and vulnerable communities.

Chris serves the people of Washington State as the Speaker Pro Tem in the State House of Representatives where he presides over floor debates and votes. He represents the 47th legislative district, just outside of Seattle. Chris is Chair of the Members of Color Caucus, Vice-Chair of the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee, and Co-Chair of the Nuclear Energy Caucus. Previously, Chris served as a member of the Auburn City Council where he was the first Native American elected to the Council in its history.

Earlier in his career, Chris served as Deputy Counsel for the U.S. House Subcommittee on Native American Affairs under Chairman Bill Richardson. He later served as Democratic Counsel for the Committee on Natural Resources under Chairman George Miller. He then was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the first-ever Director of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. He has worked on the campaign staffs of presidential candidates Al Gore and John Kerry and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

Chris also has served as Chairman of the Washington State Gambling Commission, Chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, a member of the WA State Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force, and co-founder of Native Vote Washington.

He lives along the Green River in Auburn, Washington with his wife Pamela and their two dogs Lovey and Peaches.

Education

Cornell Law School, J.D., 1989
Williams College, B.A. (with honors), 1986
The Lawrenceville School, 1982

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia

Practice Concentration:

Tribal Affairs
Self-Determination & Self-Governance
Economic Development
Natural Resources
Tribal Counseling & Advocacy