Stokes Lawrence Welcomes Back Jaime Cuevas, Jr. as Shareholder

Stokes Lawrence is delighted to announce that Jaime Cuevas, Jr. (Jr.) has rejoined the firm as a shareholder, effective July 1, 2024. Jr. brings his vast experience as a trusted board advisor, legal executive, and business developer to the firm’s Business and American Indian Law practice groups. Jr. will continue his diverse practice advising business clients and entrepreneurs on matters of inter-tribal trade, economic development, and agribusiness. He will also continue his work on behalf of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and their communities on issues involving tribal sovereignty, taxing authority, trade, contracts, and issues of Federal Indian law and policy.   

Most recently, Jr. served as General Counsel and Chief Business Development Officer for a conglomerate of tribal member-owned enterprises within the Yakama Nation. His tenure was marked by his leadership in Indigenous rights litigation and policy matters nationwide, reinforcing economic development initiatives across Indian Country. Notably, Jr. contributed to legislative advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., collaborating with influential bodies such as the Tribal Economic and Tax Reform Advocacy Alliance and the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee. He also continued his active pro bono practice by co-drafting amicus briefs in support of Indigenous rights at the Washington State and United States Supreme Courts.  

"I’m back home," said Jr. "I look forward to leveraging my diverse background to further strengthen our firm's capabilities in business law and deepen our commitment to serving Indian Country."  

"We are thrilled to welcome Jr. back to Stokes Lawrence as a Shareholder," said Managing Shareholder Kelly Noonan. "His business and in house legal experience along with his passion for advocating for under represented communities align perfectly with our firm's values of integrity and client service excellence."  

Jr. holds a Juris Doctor degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and an LLM Master of Laws degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he specialized in the field study of Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy. He also holds a teaching degree from Washington State University.