As a Staff Attorney with the Oklahoma House of Representatives, my nonpartisan role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at effectively assisting all one-hundred-and-one-house Representatives with navigating the legal and public policy landscapes. 

A significant aspect of my role involves providing insightful counsel to members on multifaceted legal and public policy matters. This includes comprehensive guidance on issues spanning technology, insurance, county and municipal government, and education. Recently, I have had the pleasure of drafting legislation to help prepare the state for the increased use of artificial intelligence and machine learning software. By leveraging my expertise in these domains, I ensure members are well-informed and equipped to make informed decisions.

I serve as the primary architect behind the creation of member legislation and amendments pertaining to the aforementioned policy areas. My meticulous approach to drafting ensures precision and clarity in assisting the members in accomplishing their legislative intent. Through strategic language and careful consideration of legal nuances, I contribute to the formulation of impactful policies that address key societal challenges.

In addition to my core responsibilities, I have provided support for both standing committees and special investigative committees convened by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Through diligent coordination and collaboration, I facilitate the smooth execution of investigative proceedings, thereby contributing to the pursuit of justice and accountability.

My dedication to excellence, coupled with my multifaceted skill set, enables me to make substantive contributions in navigating complex legal and policy landscapes, ultimately driving positive outcomes for our stakeholders and the Oklahoma House of Representatives as an institution.

As an Intern and Rural Summer Legal Corp. Fellow with Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, I assumed a multifaceted role aimed at advancing the rights and welfare of tribal citizens while championing tribal sovereignty and access to justice. My primary responsibilities were researching how best resources could be allocated to meet the needs of tribal citizens, assisting in court hearings and client meetings, and conducting legal research on various issues, including the Indian Child Welfare Act and the American Indian Probate Reform Act, among other Oklahoma statutes.

In this role, I provided free, empowering, and quality legal services to tribal members, ensuring access to justice and supporting tribal sovereignty. I was committed to educating the legal community on Indian law, fostering cultural understanding, and empowering Native communities in Oklahoma. I worked to support representation for tribal members in cases in which the state or tribe had removed children from their parents or guardians. 

While acting as a Rural Summer Legal Corp. Fellow, I built and conducted a survey of tribal Indian Child Welfare Departments across Oklahoma. Many of these offices were in remote rural regions, and I still managed to find contacts even during lockdown. The information I gained has been used by Oklahoma Indian Legal Services to better serve rural tribal communities. The Rural Summer Legal Corp. Fellow is selected by submitting a proposed project to Equal Justice Works and Legal Services Corporation, which is selected for funding. 

In addition to my aforementioned experience, I drafted wills and probate documents and oversaw the execution of wills at tribal community centers during legal clinics. I demonstrated competence, compassion, and support for those in need, particularly elders, disaster victims, and low-income individuals. I also served as an advocate for the rights of tribes and their members to help build a more just and inclusive future.

As an Intern with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C.),  I provided legal support to various units, honing my skills in legal research, case analysis, and drafting motions, briefs, and administrative opinions. 

Initially, I interned with the Enforcement Unit, where I researched case law and conducted thorough reviews of investigative reports. In this capacity, I provided legal support to attorneys dedicated to upholding Title VII claims and championing the rights of individuals facing discrimination based on their protected class status. 

Subsequently, I transitioned to the Hearings Unit under the mentorship of Administrative Law Judge Michelle Robertson. In this role, I had the privilege of delving deeper into the adjudicative process, assisting in the drafting of Judge Robertson's opinions on hearings concerning discrimination within the Federal Government.  Through this experience, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of forming a compelling case, assessing the relevance of evidence, and understanding the factors that influence judicial determinations. 

My internship experience at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission equipped me with invaluable skills and insights and provided me with a holistic perspective on the legal landscape. It instilled in me the importance of meticulous research, strategic analysis, and cogent argumentation in pursuing the cause of justice and equality.