Paula M. Fisher Attorney at Law, P.C.

Attorney Paul M. Fisher

Attorney Paula M. Fisher has been practicing law in Indian Country for 18 years.  She is licensed in 12 Tribal Courts in 5 different states, including the inter-Tribal Court of Southern California and is a descendent of the Cherokee Nation.  She is licensed by the state of Michigan and the Federal Bar.  She has over a hundred of Tribal Members with obtaining their Tribal Membership and hundreds of clients in defending their Tribal Membership against disenrollment. Paula has had great success in representing Tribal Clients in benefit disputes as well. 

Paula has also assisted Tribal governments with drafting Enrollment Ordinances and based on her vast experience has assisted Tribal governments in streamlining their laws to prevent costly litigation concerning Tribal Membership disputes.  She is a published author in the area of Tribal-State relations and a leading authority on Tribal sovereignty.  Paula M. Fisher, Attorney at Law, P.C. is a national law firm that stands ready to serve Tribal needs. She has had great success defending the rights of Tribal Members in Tribal Courts, State Court and Federal proceedings.  Paula also has practiced in the area of Criminal Defense, Family Law, Adoption and Estate Planning throughout her 18 years of practice.  Paula combines her passion for law and justice with compassion for her Clients. Paula is the mother of 4, has been married 20 years and is part of a blended family.  Paula loves animals, but especially her family pugs. Paula enjoys seasonal décor, swimming and biking all of which keep her grounded and sharp for the courtroom.  Paula travels for Clients throughout the U.S. and will go wherever her Clients need her to for their cases.

Bar Admissions:

• Michigan
• Tribal Court of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
• Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
• Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
• InterTribal Court of Southern California
• Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi
• Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
• Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
• Fond du Lac Band of Superior Chippewa
• Kalispel Tribe
• Forest County Potawatomi Community Tribal Court
• Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux (Dakota) Tribal Court
• Ho-Chunk Tribal Court

Education:

• California Western School of Law, J.D., 1990
• University of San Diego, B.A., 1987

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Native American Lawyers Association, San Diego Chapter
• Member of the State Bar of Michigan, Indian Law Section

Attorney Melissa Powell

Melissa owned her firm for several years where 100% of her client base was by word of mouth referrals from former clients.  She brings the experience of over 6 years of appearances in the Family Law arena in a variety of Courts including the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Court.  Her vast experience with clients while helping them through custody and divorce battles makes her more than qualified to assist you with your Family Law needs.  Melissa will help you regain control of your Family Law case and will assist you with setting up co-parenting in a manner that will promote healing where possible.  Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle, but when it is, you need someone who can direct your case through tough trials.

Melissa’s goal has always been to empower her clients and teach families to be successful even after divorce.  Break-ups and divorce are a setback but is doesn’t have to negatively alter your children’s future.  Melissa will keep you informed.  Knowing what to expect and staying focused will help you navigate through the process. That’s what Melissa is here for.  She and our team are here for you. Day or night, we’re by your side.

A Melissa Powell is passionate about Family Law, having experienced it first-hand. As the divorced mother of seven children Melissa Powell knows what families experience when going through a divorce. Through her own divorce, she gained sole custody of her children, moved into a small house, worked on her law degree, and kept her children engaged in multiple schools and extra-curricular activities. When it comes to family law, she has walked the talk. 

Bar Admissions:

• Michigan
• Georgia
• Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Court

Education:

• Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D.
• Grand Valley State, B.S.