Veronica (Roni) Newcomer is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain
Band of Chippewa Indians. Roni grew up all over as both her parents were members of the United States Army but finally settled in Minneapolis with her mother and brother. Roni graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2008 with a degree in both Communication Studies and American Indian Studies. In 2009, Roni decided to take the steps needed to get into law school and by fall of 2010, she was a student at William Mitchell College of Law.
During law school, Roni spent much of her time dedicated to the school’s NALSA Chapter. Roni served in many roles on the NALSA Board, finishing her time at WMCL as the President of NALSA. In 2011, Roni joined the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association as a student member. In 2012, Roni participated in the NNALSA Moot Court competition in Hawaii. She was later elected as the National NALSA Area 8 Representative, a position held by WMCL for three years. The summer before her 3L year, Roni received a PILF Scholarship and used that money to serve as an intern for the White Earth Tribal Court on the White Earth Reservation. In 2013, Roni and Rachel Kowarski won 3rd Place Best Team at the NNALSA Moot Court Competition in Oregon. She used her experience with the NNALSA Moot Court competitions to volunteer as a guest judge during practice rounds at WMCL.
Shortly after graduating from WMCL in 2013, Roni accepted a position with the White Earth Legal Department and continues to work as a staff attorney for the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. She primarily represents the tribal child protection agency in matters before the Tribal Court and other district courts across the country. Roni is currently a member of the MAIBA, serving as the Secretary of the organization. Roni is also a board member for the Becker County Historical Society. Roni can be reached at Veronica.Newcomer@whiteearth-nsn.gov.