Ellen (Frick) Venegas is a 2013 graduate of William Mitchell College of Law, 
where she focused on Indian law. During law school, she served as Secretary and Community Outreach Coordinator of the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA). She also participated in the National NALSA Moot Court Competition. Ellen gained valuable experience during law school by working on a federal treaty rights trial with the Indian Law Impact Litigation Clinic.
After graduating, Ellen moved to New Mexico, where she worked for the Pueblo of Pojoaque for three and a half years, first as a law clerk for the tribal court and then with the Pueblo of Pojoaque Legal Department. At Pojoaque, Ellen represented tribal members in civil matters before the tribal court, assisted with federal and state court gaming litigation, and advised the Pueblo’s corporations and regulatory entities. She also reorganized the Pueblo’s resolutions and ordinances into a comprehensive Tribal Law and Order Code.
Ellen is currently an attorney with Ceiba Legal, LLP, an Indian law firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ceiba Legal, LLP represents tribal clients in a wide array of governmental matters, including day-to-day issues, litigation, and large development projects. Ellen’s practice ranges from advising tribal governments and departments on daily matters to litigation involving a variety of matters in federal, state, and tribal courts. She loves getting to work with tribes from all over the country.
Ellen lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with her husband and two cats. She in an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and cycling.