Emily completed an innovative program at the University of Arizona – a leading campus for Indigenous Peoples’ Law and Policy. Graduating in 2013 with a dual degree in Law and a Masters of Latin American Studies, she was able to delve into issues on the Indigenous lands directly impacted by U.S. immigration law. A fluent Spanish speaker, she worked for the Pacsua Yaqui Tribe to support their advocacy at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. She also assisted the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – Professor James Anaya.

As a U.S. lawyer, Emily focused on civil litigation and working through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and trial. She managed a high-volume practice and became the Managing Attorney of her firm.

Moving home to Coast Salish territory in 2018, Emily began the long process of gaining admission to the Law Society of British Columbia. She worked for Malahat Nation through the COVID-19 years, gaining experience in health and wellness as well as governance, policy, and administration.  She is extremely grateful to the Malahat people for their friendship.

When not practicing law, she is usually out and about on local adventures with her two small kids. She is also proud to sit on the Board of Directors for the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society, which provides client-centered community services in Quw’utsun territory.