(206) 245-9017
rtobias@galandabroadman.com

8606 35th Ave NE
Suite L1
Seattle, WA 98115

Rachel Tobias has extensive experience in and passion for representing Indigenous individual and governmental rights. Her litigation practice focuses on Indigenous and constitutional rights, as well as the preservation of Tribal cultural assets.

Rachel also advises individuals, enterprises and Tribal governments on economic development and related issues, particularly in the fields of fashion, design and other creative industries. She pursues just and fair compensation for Indigenous creators by leveraging all available tools, from relief available under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act ethical imperatives recognized in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and emerging paradigms such as Eighth Generation’s Decolonizing Partnership Model.

An inaugural graduate of Fordham University School of Law’s Fashion Law LL.M. program, where she concentrated on human rights abuses in the global supply chain, Rachel’s competencies include a unique blend of solution driven advocacy, cultural understanding, and economic development principles. With an empathic approach to problem solving, Rachel focuses on achieving client goals in the context of mutually beneficial outcomes. Clients routinely endorse her no-nonsense ability to build consensus, anticipate areas of future conflict, and proactively address them before they arise.

Before joining Galanda Broadman, Rachel served as Indian Child Welfare Attorney for the Quinault Indian Nation, public defender in both King County and Tulalip Tribal Courts, and Court Appointed Special Advocate in custody matters in state and tribal courts. She also served as Business Development + Community Director for the Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator and Acting Assistant Director for the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University School of Law.

Rachel volunteers her time and services for a variety of causes, including advisory and mentorship roles for sustainable fashion enterprises and, most recently, as Member of the Board of Directors for the Auburn Valley Humane Society.

Memberships

Washington State Bar Association

• Civil Rights Committee, 2003-2004

• Pro Bono Publico Commendation, 2011-2014

• Indian Law Section

New York City Bar Association

• Fashion Law Committee

King County Bar Association

• Neighborhood Legal Clinics, DV Family Law, 2008-2015

National Lawyers Guild

• President, UNMSOL Chapter, 2002-2003

ADMISSIONS

Washington State
New York State
Western District of Washington
Southern District of New York
Tulalip Tribal Court
Puyallup Tribal Court
Quinault Tribal Court
Suquamish Tribal Court

Education

Fordham University School of Law, LL.M., Fashion Law
University of New Mexico School of Law, JD
Fairhaven College, Western Washington University, BA, Law and Diversity