|
|
| Chad Abeyta Resume |
EDUCATION
Master of Laws (LLM) May 2021
University of Arizona
| • |
Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Certificate
|
| • |
Member of the Native American Law Students Association |
Juris Doctor May 2019
University of New Mexico School of Law
| • |
Indian Law Certificate
|
| • |
Staff Editor, Tribal Law Journal
|
| • |
Treasurer, Native American Law Student Association
|
| • |
Visiting Student at the University of Arizona College of Law (Spring 2019)
|
| • |
Tribal Justice Clinic: Assistant Special Prosecutor for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology May 2016
University of New Mexico
| • |
Cum Laude
|
| • |
Minor in Native American Studies
|
| • |
Treasurer, Native American Studies Indigenous Research Group
|
| • |
Mentor (Sidekicks Program), American Indian Student Services |
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Attorney, Office of Legislative Counsel 2021—2023
Navajo Nation
| • |
Drafted legislation and legal documents for the Navajo Nation Council.
|
| • |
Reviewed professional service agreements on behalf of the Navajo Nation legislative branch.
|
| • |
Provided legal research for complex issues that encompasses a broad area of law.
|
| • |
Provided legal advice and guidance to the Navajo Nation Council, standing committees, boards, commissions, and entities. |
Law Clerk, Attorney Generals Office 2019—2020
Pascua Yaqui Tribe Tucson, Arizona
| • |
Provided legal research and legal memoranda for the Attorney General.
|
| • |
Implemented the Mandatory Civil Mediation Program and adopted Civil Mediation Codes.
|
| • |
Drafted policies, professional service agreements, and resolutions for the Tribal Council.
|
| • |
Assisted other attorneys in various departments with legal research. |
Law Intern, To’hajiilee/Alamo District Court 06/2017 – 08/2017
Navajo Nation Judicial Branch Tohajiilee, New Mexico
| • |
Assisted the Judicial Conduct Commission in revising 7 N.N.C.
|
| • |
Presented revisions to the Judicial Conduct Commission in the Navajo language.
|
| • |
Researched Navajo Nation Codes and case law for the district court judge.
|
| • |
Reviewed case files assigned by the staff attorney and provided legal research. |
Senior Airman, Aerospace Maintenance 11/2009 – 11/2013
United States Air Force Offutt AFB, Nebraska
| • |
Served in three overseas temporary deployments.
|
| • |
Collaborated with members of other units to complete assigned tasks.
|
| • |
Used technical data to diagnose and solve maintenance problems on aircraft systems. |
EXECUTIVE BOARD
DNA Peoples Legal Services June 2021—June 2025
Board of Director
DNA People’s Legal Services is a six-office, nonprofit law firm in the Southwestern United States that
provides free civil legal services to low-income people on tribal nations who otherwise could not afford
to hire an attorney.
LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
State Bar of New Mexico Bar #: 153952
Admitted: 11/20
Navajo Nation Bar Association Bar #: NNBA21-607
Admitted: 06/21
Member, Pascua Yaqui Bar Inactive
Mediator, State of New Mexico (40-hr. training) July 2018
HONORS AND AWARDS
Education
| • |
State Bar of New Mexico Indian Law Section Award (2019)
|
| • |
Outstanding Law Student Deans Award, University of New Mexico School of Law (2019)
|
| • |
Williams Achievement Award, Visiting Student Fellowship University of Arizona Law (2019)
|
| • |
National Society of Leadership and Success (2016)
|
| • |
Deans List, University of New Mexico (2016)
|
| • |
Navajo Nation Chief Manuelito Scholarship (2015-2016)
|
| • |
Deans List, Central New Mexico Community College (2014) |
Military Service
| • |
Meritorious Unit Award in recognition for outstanding service during combat (2011-2012)
|
| • |
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (2011-2012)
|
| • |
Air and Space Campaign Medal in support of Operation Unified Protector (2011)
|
| • |
National Defense Service Medal (2009-2013)
|
| • |
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2009-2013) |
HOBBIES
| • |
Creating Navajo-style silver jewelry with various stones.
|
| • |
Contributor to the family collection of refrigerator magnets.
|
| • |
Enjoy outdoor walks while listening to music and interpreting lyrics. |
|
|
|
