Philip M. Baker-Shenk

Lawyer information

Practice Areas

Philip "Phil" Baker-Shenk provides legal and policy representation to dozens of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and organizations as well as companies doing business with Native communities. Mr. Baker-Shenk has decades of experience forging practical, common-sense solutions to the diverse challenges confronting his clients. Nothing satisfies him more than when he has secured a goal that benefits his clients and energizes his reputation for effective advocacy.

Mr. Baker-Shenk regularly appears before courts, federal agencies and tribal governing bodies. He has extensive experience drafting regulations, legislation, constitutions and ordinances as well as negotiating agreements, developing strategic positions and litigating cases on behalf of clients.

Mr. Baker-Shenk began his work in Washington on behalf of Indian tribes in 1976. He served for two years as majority general counsel to Sen. John McCain, chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. During several tours of duty totaling a half decade on the Indian Affairs Committee staff, Mr. Baker-Shenk drafted legislation and committee reports dealing with Indian gaming, housing, economic development, tribal status, land and resource management, environmental protection, taxation, child welfare, education, housing, self-governance and many other issues.