Shelby leads the strategy and execution of complex, high-impact litigation involving civil rights, Indigenous rights, and other civil litigation matters. Shelby works hard and has won favorable results for her clients in federal and state courts across the country. Shelby also counsels Indigenous nations, businesses, and other clients on labor and employment issues.

Shelby was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® magazine in 2024 and 2025, and “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers in America in the fields of environmental, labor, and employment litigation for 2025.

After graduating from law school, Shelby clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. She also worked for an international law firm, where she represented the Duwamish Tribe in its pursuit for federal recognition.

Shelby previously worked in the nonprofit sector, focusing on global economic development, youth development, and women's and children’s rights. Shelby served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Middle East.

Memberships

Washington State Bar Association
Federal Bar Association

Accolades

Super Lawyers® Rising Star, 2024

Super Lawyers® Rising Star, 2025

Best Lawyers Ones to Watch®, 2025

ADMISSIONS

Washington
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Chehalis Tribal Court
Cow Creek Tribal Court
Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Court
Tulalip Tribal Court

Education

The University of Washington School of Law, JD
Columbia University, MA
The University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts

Recent Publications

“Application of Federal Employment and Labor Laws in Indian Country,” WSBA Indian Law Newsletter, Spring 2025
“The Finality Trap: When ‘Without Prejudice’ is Actually Prejudicial,” The AmLaw Litigation Daily, October 26, 2021
“Washington State Legislature Passes Pay Equity and ‘Me Too’ Legislation,” The National Law Review, April 20, 2018
“Key Takeaways from the NLRB’s Flip-Flop on Joint Employment Standards,” The National Law Review, March 29, 2018

Upcoming/Recent Seminars

Presenter on Indian Law and Tribal Sovereignty, WSBA CLE: The Washington Law and Practice Refresher Course, February 2024
Presenter on Federal Recognition of Indian Tribes: The Duwamish Experience, WSBA CLE, September 2022