Samantha Skenandore’s journey from aspiring veterinarian to founding partner at Skenandore Wilson LLP in Madison, Wisconsin, encapsulates a path driven not only by personal ambition but also a deep-rooted commitment to her community and cultural heritage. As a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and enrolled with the Oneida Nation, her career trajectory is a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience, and the unique insights born of personal experience.
Initially drawn to the sciences, Skenandore’s roots in behavioral sciences and animal care foreshadowed a career dedicated to service. However, she discovered a deeper passion after graduation from the University of Wisconsin, when she took a position in the Cultural Resources Division of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Working closely with tribal elders, she engaged in preserving sacred sites and the language that defines her culture. It was during this time that Skenandore faced a pivotal challenge: a bottling company threatened a sacred spring site, one highly valued by her community. This challenge was not merely a job for Skenandore; it was a moment of awakening that showcased how legal support could protect not just tribal sovereignty, but invaluable cultural resources.
With a firm realization of her potential, Skenandore took the LSAT and earned her law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2005. Her early career included clerking at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she honed her understanding of federal law and its implications for tribal communities. Since then, her expertise has been sought after by tribal and corporate clients, focusing on governance, economic development, labor law, and cultural-resource protections. Skenandore’s legal practice aims to bridge the gap between tribal aspirations and the complex systems that govern them.
Balancing her professional ambitions with family life, Skenandore became a single mother to three daughters, whom she fostered and later adopted. Her journey as a parent has deeply informed her approach to law and advocacy. In a conversation with Tribal Business News, she articulated her approach to legal practice: empowering her clients by translating their goals into actionable results. “What I do is help them figure out their goals,” she stated, “and then translate those goals into action and results.” This perspective highlights the unique synergy she creates between legal expertise and community needs.
A standout aspect of Skenandore’s practice is her commitment to pro bono work, particularly in the realm of domestic violence. By representing numerous cases throughout Indian Country and state courts, she has had a profound impact on the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly children. A recent initiative she is particularly proud of involves her role on the board of Bioneers, a nonprofit dedicated to social change, where she is developing a legal toolkit to help tribes enact rights of nature laws—an initiative closely connected to the essence of tribal sovereignty.
Despite the successes, Skenandore acknowledges the barriers Native communities face in accessing legal services. She identified a significant challenge: “Access to legal resources and advocacy, navigating systems that weren’t built for Native communities,” she noted. This issue underscores the broader systemic obstacles that Indigenous communities must overcome, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant solutions and support systems that resonate with their unique contexts.
When it comes to hiring Native professionals, Skenandore underscores the importance of community, collaboration, and learning from one another. “Conferencing and togetherness” are crucial, she asserts, highlighting that the traditional ways of doing business in Native communities endure despite modern changes. She encourages prospective employers to actively engage in dialogue, listen, and learn from different tribal perspectives, weaving a rich tapestry of shared knowledge that ultimately strengthens both individuals and the community as a whole.
For those looking to enter the legal industry or similar fields, Skenandore offers heartfelt advice. “Stay active,” she encourages, noting that contribution can take many forms—from leadership positions to grassroots advocacy. “You can be anywhere you want to be,” she declares, instilling a sense of belonging and possibility in each aspiring professional. Skenandore’s belief in the potential of young professionals serves as a beacon for those navigating their paths in tribal and Indigenous contexts.
