Sam Schimmel

Associate

How I represent clients at Schwabe

I counsel Tribal governments and Alaska Native Corporations on a spectrum of legal needs, including governance, economic development, and corporate-related matters. I strive to translate community priorities into actionable legal strategies that hold up in boardrooms and government forums alike.

Prior to coming to Schwabe, I gained valuable experience at the Alaska Native Justice Center, where I assisted in protecting victims of domestic violence. I also served in leadership roles for national Tribal advocacy organizations, Tribal resource agencies, and Native focused non-profits. These experiences helped to deepen my understanding of how to address the complex issues facing Native American and Alaska Native communities.

I am St. Lawrence Island Siberian Yupik and Kenaitze Indian.

Experience

  • Co-chaired and served as policy expert on fisheries for coalition of 9 Tribes.
  • Provided guidance to Tribal Council’s on elections, TERO ordinances; environmental policies; subsistence; economic development; and other matters.
  • Negotiated fishery policy with the National Marine Fishery Service and North Pacific Fishery Management Council on behalf of 7 Tribes.
  • Procured U.S. Park Service and State of Alaska commercial operation permits for various entities.

 

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center, Juris Doctor (2025)
  • Stanford University, Bachelor of Arts (2022)

Admissions

  • Alaska State Courts
  • Alaska Federal District Court

Awards

  • Alaska Native Heritage Center Autumn Apok Ridley Award (2023)
  • United Indian National Tribal Youth 25 under 25 class of (2022)
  • No Kid Hungry and Share Our Strength National Champion (2022)
  • Kenaitze Tribal Council Tribal Member Achievement Award (2022)
  • Region 10 EPA Tribal Operations Committee Environmental Excellence Award (2020)
  • Alaska Federation of Natives Roger Lang Youth Leadership President’s Award (2020)
  • National Congress of American Indians Youth Leadership Award (2019)

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