Heather Anderson-Clah Named Navajo Nation Chief Legislative Counsel

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WINDOW ROCK – Speaker Johnny Naize is proud to announce the appointment of Heather Anderson-Clah as the Chief Legislative Counsel for the Navajo Nation Legislative Branch.

Heather Anderson-Clah – Navajo

“I am pleased that Heather will be joining the Legislative Branch. We have been searching for a qualified Navajo candidate who is willing to take on the unique challenges of this position,”

Speaker Naize stated.

“Not only does she possess the legal skills necessary to perform in the position, but she also has the tenacity and resolve to strengthen our government.”

As Chief Legislative Counsel, Anderson-Clah will be responsible for reporting to the Navajo Nation Council; coordinating with the Department of Justice and other attorneys in providing legal services to the Navajo Nation; developing an annual work plan and budget for the office; advising on legislative matters for Navajo Nation Council, standing committees, commissions, and boards; and assisting members of the Navajo Nation Council in preparing proposed resolutions.

“I am excited, honored, and humbled to serve the Navajo Nation in this new position,”

said Anderson-Clah.

“I appreciate the confidence Speaker Naize has in my appointment. I look forward to a successful working relationship with the Navajo Nation Council.”

She joins the Office of Legislative Counsel from her previous position as General Counsel for the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President.

Anderson-Clah brings approximately 8 years of legal service and experience to the Chief Legislative Counsel position.

In addition to her experience as the general counsel for the president, she served as a court staff attorney in the Judicial Branch-Shiprock District and as an attorney for the Human Services and Government Unit within the Navajo Nation Department of Justice.

Anderson-Clah is a member of the Navajo Nation Investment Committee and the Navajo Nation Government Development Commission.

She recently served as vice president of the Navajo Bar Association and also served as president of the Upper Fruitland Chapter.

Anderson-Clah holds a Juris Doctorate with a certificate in Indian Law from Sandra Day O'Conner School of Law at Arizona State University. During law school she participated in a Fall Semester internship with US Department of Justice, Office of Tribal Justice. She also worked during her winter breaks at the Farmington DNA People’s Legal Services.

Anderson-Clah will start in her new position as the Chief Legislative Counsel on October 15.

posted October 10, 2012 6:30 am edt