Partner
Ellen H. Grover
Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) Partner Ellen Grover has been advising tribes and organizations since 2005 on a wide range of federal Indian and tribal law issues, including sovereignty and treaty rights, natural resource regulation, economic development, gaming, tribal energy and infrastructure, finance and intergovernmental relations. She also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Native American Law Practice team and is a member of the firm’s Renewable Energy practice team.
Before attending law school, Ellen completed a fellowship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the National Sea Grant Marine Policy Fellowship, and during law school, she earned a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. Her practice includes a focus on federal, state and tribal natural resource regulatory matters, such as compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act, and on Oregon’s complex land use system, including energy project siting and license implementation compliance.
Before entering private practice, Ellen served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Robert Wollheim, Oregon Court of Appeals. She also previously practiced with Stoel Rives LLP.
Ellen and her family share a passion for outdoor adventures, including biking, Nordic skiing and running. Her volunteer commitments reflect these interests, and she enjoys giving back to the Central Oregon community.
- Representation of federally recognized Indian tribes on a wide range of matters including business and economic development, hydroelectric project license compliance, renewable energy development, energy and telecommunications infrastructure issues, federal and tribal land use, and environmental impact review matters and financing
- Representation of energy industry clients in the siting, development and review of energy generation facilities, including solar, wind and natural gas
- Representation of individuals and entities in Oregon land use urban growth boundary expansions
- Representation of landowners and land development clients in zoning and land use approval matters in city and county jurisdictions
- Representation of private individuals and entities before the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals and Oregon Court of Appeals
- Representation of individuals and homeowners associations regarding planned community matters
- Representation of purchaser of timberland holdings in acquisition and due diligence matters
- Distinguished Environmental Law Graduate, Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, 2018
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Native American Law, 2016–2026
- Oregon State Bar Sustainable Future Section
- Oregon State Bar Environmental and Natural Resources Section
- Oregon State Bar Real Estate and Land Use Section
- Deschutes County Bar Association
- Bend Endurance Academy Board of Directors
Publications
- “Upholding Tribal Sovereignty Benefits US And Indian Country,” Law360, March 19, 2025
- “Understanding Tribal Sovereignty: An Essential Primer for Productive Native American Relations,” IMLA’s Municipal Lawyer The Journal of Local Government Law, Nov-Dec. 2022
Presentations
- "Honoring the Past, Planning the Future: Tribal Resources and Oregon Land Use," Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association, Western Planner, and the Tribal & Indigenous Planning Division of APA Planning Conference, Oct. 17, 2025
- "Tribal Consultation and Collaboration," National Caucus of Environmental Legislators Northwest State Legislators Transmission and Energy Convening, June 24, 2024
- "Tribal Law Panel: Understanding Tribal Sovereignty: An Essential Primer for Productive Native American Relations," International Municipal Lawyers Association's Annual Conference, Oct. 20, 2022
- "Bureau of Indian Affairs' New Right-of-Way Regulations," Lorman Education Services Webinar, Apr. 6, 2022
