Robert Odawi Porter served two terms as Seneca chief legal counsel, as founding chairman of Seneca Holdings LLC, and, in 2010, was elected as the Seneca Nation’s 67th President. He has served as a tenured law professor at the University of Kansas, the University of Iowa, and Syracuse University, and written numerous academic articles on tribal law and governance and a book, “Sovereignty, Colonialism, and the Indigenous Nations; A Reader.”
A proven advocate, Rob has successfully defended and protected federal and state governments tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. He served a lead role in efforts to stop New York State from taxing Seneca commerce and was a key player in the ending IRS’ practice of auditing Indians for benefits received from their tribal governments under the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2014.
Legal and Tribal Government Experience
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Founder and Owner, Odawi Law PLLC (2014-present)
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Senior Counsel, Dentons US LLP (2013-2018)
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President and CEO, Seneca Nation of Indians (2010-2012)
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Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel, Seneca Nation of Indians (2004-2010)
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Attorney General, Seneca Nation of Indians (1991-1995)
Academic and Business Experience
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Visiting Professor of Law, Cornell Law School (2021-Present)
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Founding Chairman, Seneca Holdings LLC (2009-2013)
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Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Indigenous Law, Governance & Citizenship, Syracuse University (2003-2010)
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Professor of Law, the University of Iowa (2002-2003)
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Professor of Law and Director of the Tribal Law and Government Center, University of Kansas (1995-2002)
Enrolled citizen of the Seneca Nation of Indians
Heron Clan
Allegany Territory
Education
J.D. Harvard Law School (1989)
A.B. Syracuse University in Political Science and Economics (1986)
Naomie Droll, Associate, is a member of the Navajo Nation and recently served as a staff Attorney for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice. Naomie is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she received the Certificate in Indian Law, and Rollins College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. She has previous experience working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and two non-profit organizations focused on Indian health care. She also clerked for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the U.S. Department of Interior, and the American Indian Law Center. Naomie provides advocacy and advice on matters supporting the firm’s Tribal government clients, including economic development, gaming, intellectual property, and political engagement. She is admitted to practice law in the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico.
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