Sarah R. Monkton

Sarah Monkton’s practice is concentrated in federal Indian law and general/special counsel services. She advises tribes, nonprofits, public entities, and businesses, aiding in the resolution of civil disputes and providing counsel on governance concerns. Sarah has broad experience in both public and private practice, with a background that includes both litigation and transactional work. In addition to her admissions in the Oregon and Alaska state bar associations, she is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Sarah received a certificate in mediation through Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation in 2014, and has significant experience as a mediator and as an attorney representing both public and private clients in negotiated settlements.

Native American Law / Federal Indian Law
Sarah began her professional career in the field of Indian Child Welfare and now advises tribes and tribal organizations on matters pertaining to self-governance and protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of tribal communities. She provides counsel on the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) and the federal trust relationship, PL 93-638 contracting, public safety, education, health care, and employment. Her work includes representation in inter-governmental relations with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS), as well as state and local jurisdictions including the Oregon Department of Human Service (ODHS), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and county-level entities. Sarah leads BBK’s Native American Law practice team’s healthcare subgroup.  

General and Special Counsel
Sarah provides a range of general and special counsel services to tribal clients as well as public and private entities, including advising with respect to governance, regulatory compliance, executive leadership, contracting, and personnel matters. She also provides support in litigation and conflict resolution. Her advice emphasizes good governance and risk management to aid her clients in achieving their objectives while remaining consistent with applicable law and true to internal policy and values. 

Investigations and Trainings
Sarah previously served as the Chief of Enforcement/Deputy Director of the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, where her work included overseeing the team of investigators responsible for responding to discrimination complaints. Today, she provides comprehensive services to clients in highly sensitive matters, including allegations of discrimination, misconduct, public safety concerns, and violations of law or policy. Sarah also has significant experience responding to administrative investigations by both state and federal agencies, including Oregon’s Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Civil Rights. She also provides trainings to leadership and personnel on a range of topics.