Samuel Kohn joins the Kaplan Kirsch team as a Partner in the Native American Law practice. Prior to joining the Firm, Sam served as Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior where he played a vital role in supporting the Biden administration’s policies for Indian Country, addressing a wide range of issues critical to Tribal communities.

Sam has a robust background in Indian Affairs. He has extensive experience in areas including the Indian Self-Determination Education and Assistance Act and Public Law 102-477, fee-to-trust issues, gaming, cultural preservation and repatriation, Indian Arts and Crafts, and collaborative stewardship. He has participated in rulemaking, interagency negotiations, and defense of actions under the Administrative Procedure Act. Additionally, he has managed nearly all stages of trial litigation, contributed to various appellate matters, and has professional background in ordinance development, rights of way and transportation, healthcare, tort claims and Tribal sovereign immunity, and data privacy in Indian Country.

Sam’s commitment to Indian law is deeply personal. He is an enrolled member of the Apsáalooke Nation (Crow Tribe of Montana) and was raised on the Tribe’s reservation in southeastern Montana. He views the practice of Indian law as both a professional endeavor and a meaningful way to give back to his community.  Samuel’s diverse experience and deep understanding of the legal landscape uniquely position him to provide immediate and impactful legal support for Tribal needs both nationwide and in California.

Sam has served as a law clerk in the United States District Court for the District of Montana and the Montana Supreme Court.