Ms Pilar M Thomas

About Ms Pilar M Thomas

<p>Pilar Thomas is a retired attorney who&rsquo;s practice was focused on Indian law, tribal renewable energy and economic development. Ms. Thomas previously served as the Acting Director and Deputy Director for the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she was responsible for developing and implementing policy and program efforts within the department and across the federal government to achieve statutory policy objectives, particularly the promotion of energy development, electrification, and infrastructure improvement on tribal lands. She spearheaded federal agency efforts to coordinate and collaborate on tribal energy development efforts, in partnership with the White House Council on Native American Affairs, the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce and Environmental Protection Agency.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">She is the former Deputy Solicitor of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior, where she provided legal advice to the Secretary, Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, and other department officials on decisions related to tribes and matters related to federal Indian law, tribal law, administrative law, Indian lands and natural resources, treaty rights and water rights.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">She has served as the Interim Attorney General and Chief of Staff to the Chairwoman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, of which she is a member. As Interim Attorney General, Pilar provided legal advice and representation for the Tribe, Tribal Council, Divisions, Departments, Commissions, and Enterprises on extensive legal issues, including employment law, gaming law, environmental law, self-determination contracting, tribal constitutional law, internal policies, and intergovernmental agreements.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">In 2002, Pilar was appointed to the position of trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Indian Resources Section. Her practice included Indian treaty rights, water rights, and regulatory litigation.</p> <p>Ms. Thomas graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law, <em>magna cum laude</em>, with a certificate in Indian Law. She received her bachelor of arts in economics from Stanford University.</p>

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Education

• Law School: U of Minnesota

Practice Areas

Notable Case Results