An Indigenous Law Office Built to Serve Indigenous Peoples and Nations
The Law Office of Joseph Austin, Esq. was founded with a simple conviction: Indigenous peoples and Native Nations deserve lawyers who understand not only the law, but the people, communities, governments, histories, and lands it affects.
The Meaning Behind Our Logo
Our logo features Lady Justice holding a card representing strategy. The ace reflects our commitment to top-tier service, and the wolf represents Joseph Austin and his office as “The Wolf of Indian Country.” Together, these symbols express our approach to advocacy: thoughtful strategy and a determined commitment to the people and Nations we serve.
Rooted in Indian Country
Joseph K. Austin established his own office to represent Indigenous peoples and Native Nations on his own terms. That independence allows him to choose the clients he stands beside, the cases he takes on, and the causes that matter to Indian Country. The result is a law office rooted in Indian Country and committed to its people.
A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Joseph was born and raised just east of the Chilchinbeto Chapter area. His understanding of the challenges facing Indigenous communities comes from firsthand experience, as well as his work as an attorney, legal scholar, and appellate justice.
Our Education Belongs to the People
Joseph’s education was supported in significant part by Navajo Nation scholarships and organizations and donors committed to Indigenous education. He views that investment as an obligation to serve. His legal education includes a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy, a Master of Laws in International Economic Law and Policy, and a Doctor of Juridical Science. Those credentials are tools to place in the service of Indigenous peoples and Nations.
Building Stronger Native Nations
Our office represents Native Nations in economic development and serves as in-house counsel for tribal enterprises. We help strengthen laws and policies, develop business and commercial codes, structure enterprises, negotiate agreements, and build the legal institutions that support long-term economic self-determination.
This work recognizes that economic development is about more than revenue. It supports sovereignty, creates opportunity, and helps future generations inherit stronger Nations. Native Nations deserve counsel who understands that they are governments with an inherent right to govern themselves.
Standing Beside the People
Our office also represents individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurs navigating the overlapping legal systems of Indian Country. Joseph has litigated matters in state and tribal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. Whether the work involves advising Native leaders, negotiating an agreement, or standing beside a client in court, our purpose is to protect the interests of the people and Nations we serve.
Joseph is licensed to practice in New Mexico, Navajo Nation, and Tohono O’odham Nation. Read his full biography.
Our Responsibility to the People
For Joseph Austin, the future of Indian Country is personal. This office exists to help rebuild Native Nations, strengthen Indigenous institutions, develop Indigenous economies through the rule of law, defend fundamental rights, and open doors for entrepreneurs and businesses. This is more than a law practice. It is a responsibility to the people.
Contact our office to discuss your legal matter.