Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP
Chris Stearns serves as a Representative for the Washington State House of Representatives, holding key vice-chair positions in the Regulated Substances & Gaming Committee and the State Government & Tribal Relations Committee, while also participating in the Capital Budget Committee since November 2022. As Of Counsel at Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP since 2001, Chris specializes in Native American law, representing Indian tribes and organizations on critical issues. Previous experience includes roles such as City Council Member for Auburn, where Chris chaired the Public Works Committee and engaged in various initiatives for Indigenous communities. Chris also served as Chairman of the Washington State Gambling Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, and has held strategic advisory positions at the National Congress of American Indians and the U.S. Department of Energy. Chris is an alumnus of Williams College and Cornell Law School, with a distinguished career dedicated to advocacy and public policy in Indian Country.
This person is not in any offices
Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP
For almost 40 years, Hobbs Straus has worked to help tribes realize positive change in Indian Country. We are committed to providing Indian and Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations with the highest quality legal services and advocacy. And our extensive and unique experience allows us to understand the challenges tribal governments face in the context of Indian law’s past, present, and future. The foundation of our practice is built on our recognition that tribes have an inherent right to self government and matters related to tribal sovereignty permeate all practice areas. Promoting and defending tribal sovereignty is the backbone of our practice. Our attorneys, legislative specialists and staff work on almost every aspect of federal Indian law, all with the ultimate goal of protecting and defending tribal sovereignty. Specifically, our practice is focused on areas related to Tribal Affairs, Self-Determination and Self-Governance, Programs and Services, Indian Housing, Gaming, Economic Development, Natural Resources. Our Firm also has particular knowledge of Oklahoma and Alaska Native Issues as well as International Indigenous Rights. Since 1982, Hobbs Straus has represented tribal interests before federal, state and tribal governments. We have represented numerous tribal clients before tribal and federal courts, including a number of cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. We combine that insight with a thorough understanding of the complex issues surrounding local tribal law, tribal custom, and federal Indian law. Hobbs Straus values the long-standing client relationships we have built based on integrity, our commitment to Indian country, and our knowledge of many facets of Indian law. In addition to tribal governments and tribal entities, our clients include national Indian organizations. Hobbs Straus is a national law firm with offices in Washington, DC, Portland, OR, Oklahoma City, OK, Sacramento, CA and Anchorage, AK. Of our 37 attorneys, 15 are Indian.