Sarah R. Monkton

Sarah Monkton’s practice is concentrated in federal Indian law and general/special counsel services. She provides a range of services to tribes, employers, businesses, nonprofits, and other private and public entities, to aid in the resolution of civil disputes and governance concerns. Sarah also offers investigation services and trainings to assist employers and other entities in managing risk and responding to complaints. 

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 mediated settlements. 

Native American Law / Federal Indian Law

Sarah began her career in the field of Indian Child Welfare, representing tribes across Alaska as a non-attorney advocate in foster care proceedings. She currently advises tribes and tribal organizations on a variety of matters, including sovereignty and the trust relationship, litigation, contracts, inter-governmental partnerships, employment, Indian Managed Care Entity (IMCE) agreements, Indian Health service contract support cost claims, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. 

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 and compliance, executive leadership, contracting, and employment. Her advice emphasizes good governance and risk management to enable her clients to achieve their operational goals while remaining compliant and true to organizational values. Sarah’s employment experience includes advice and representation on discrimination complaints, accommodation requests, disciplinary matters, misconduct claims, and policy development and compliance. 

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 investigation services to a range of clients in highly sensitive matters, including allegations of discrimination, misconduct, and other 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 ranging from governance concerns to employment topics.