Benjamin Swankier
Bemidji,MN
Summary
Zealous legal professional with rigorous experience, specializing in Federal Native American and Tribal Law. Very motivated, passionate, and highly driven to deliver for the client. Recognized for clear communication and strategic legal insights.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy General Counsel
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
05.2024 - Current
- Provided legal counsel on all governance matter impacting the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
- Managed entire Legal Department with nine staff and many contracts.
- Worked specifically with tribal enterprise including gaming, cannabis, Leech Lake Corporation and all tribal business.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents to ensure compliance with tribal laws and regulations.
- Advised many tribal departments on complex legal issues.
Associate General Counsel
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
04.2023 - 05.2024
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and policy development initiatives.
- Assisted in dispute resolution efforts, promoting effective communication among parties involved.
- Assisted senior attorneys with legal matters and drafting.
- Built my professional portfolio and added many cases.
Legal Intern
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
12.2021 - 04.2023
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Drafted legal documents, including briefs and memoranda, ensuring compliance with federal and tribal law.
- Collaborated with attorneys on client matters, facilitating effective communication and information sharing.
- Represented LLBO in tribal court matters.
Legal Extern
Anishinabe Legal Services
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Researched legal precedents to support case analysis and strategy development.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparations by organizing evidence and preparing exhibits for presentation.
- Summer extern through the Minnesota Justice Foundation
Education
J.D. - Law
Mitchell- Hamline School of Law
05-2023
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Psychology
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND05-2020
Associate of Science - General Studies
Itasca Community College
Grand Rapids, MN05-2017
High School Diploma -
Northland High School
Remer, MN05-2016
Skills
- Dispute resolution
- Native American Law
- Tribal Gaming Law
- Trial experience
- Document review
- Clear Communicator
Affiliations
- Direct Descendant of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
- Descendant of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe
- Minnesota Native American BAR Association
- Mitchell-Hamline School of Law Native American Law and Sovereignty Institute Advisory Board Member
Certification
- Certificate in Native American Law with a focus on Tribal Governance
- Native American Diversity Scholar from the University of North Dakota
- Minnesota Indian Education Post Secondary Student of the year
Timeline
Deputy General Counsel
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
05.2024 - Current
Associate General Counsel
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
04.2023 - 05.2024
Legal Intern
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
12.2021 - 04.2023
Legal Extern
Anishinabe Legal Services
05.2021 - 08.2021
J.D. - Law
Mitchell- Hamline School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Psychology
University of North Dakota
Associate of Science - General Studies
Itasca Community College
High School Diploma -
Northland High School