Bill Brooks – Chief Legal Officer
William (Bill) Brooks serves as Waséyabek’s Chief Legal Officer. Bill received his law degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder (1988) and has B.S. degrees in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, and Public Administration and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1984). Prior to joining the staff at Waséyabek in 2023, Bill served as Chief Legal Officer of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, counsel to FireKeepers Development Authority, and counsel to Waséyabek during its formative years. Bill has more than 30 years of experience representing a number of Tribal Nations, coordinating a wide range of legal work for Tribal governments and their economic development entities, including contract negotiations, financing and real estate transactions, drafting laws/regulations, managing litigation and overseeing the work of outside counsel. He has represented Tribal governments in the negotiation of inter-governmental agreements involving gaming, taxation, law enforcement, and environmental regulation. Bill has also served as adjunct faculty at the Michigan State University College of Law.
In his role at Waséyabek, Bill is responsible for oversight and management of all legal, regulatory, and compliance affairs necessary to supporting Waséyabek’s business strategies and initiatives by bridging the gap between legal constraints and operational goals. Bill’s focus is providing strategic counsel and advice to Waséyabek’s Board, CEO, and the NHBP Tribal Council to ensure that Waséyabek’s business strategies and operational decisions align with and advance NHBP’s interests and Waséyabek’s role in promoting the long-term economic and political self-determination and sovereignty of NHBP. As Chief Legal Officer, Bill is also responsible for overseeing the work of in-house and outside counsel, managing corporate governance, and ensuring ethical practices throughout the company.
Outside of work, Bill enjoys spending time in nature with his wife Rachel, as well as spending time with family and friends exploring new places and chasing new (often unusual) experiences. Bill is proud to have helped raise 3 children who are citizens of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians and is the proud grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of two who compete for his free time.
William (Bill) Brooks serves as Waséyabek’s Chief Legal Officer. Bill received his law degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder (1988) and has B.S. degrees in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, and Public Administration and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1984). Prior to joining the staff at Waséyabek in 2023, Bill served as Chief Legal Officer of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, counsel to FireKeepers Development Authority, and counsel to Waséyabek during its formative years. Bill has more than 30 years of experience representing a number of Tribal Nations, coordinating a wide range of legal work for Tribal governments and their economic development entities, including contract negotiations, financing and real estate transactions, drafting laws/regulations, managing litigation and overseeing the work of outside counsel. He has represented Tribal governments in the negotiation of inter-governmental agreements involving gaming, taxation, law enforcement, and environmental regulation. Bill has also served as adjunct faculty at the Michigan State University College of Law.
In his role at Waséyabek, Bill is responsible for oversight and management of all legal, regulatory, and compliance affairs necessary to supporting Waséyabek’s business strategies and initiatives by bridging the gap between legal constraints and operational goals. Bill’s focus is providing strategic counsel and advice to Waséyabek’s Board, CEO, and the NHBP Tribal Council to ensure that Waséyabek’s business strategies and operational decisions align with and advance NHBP’s interests and Waséyabek’s role in promoting the long-term economic and political self-determination and sovereignty of NHBP. As Chief Legal Officer, Bill is also responsible for overseeing the work of in-house and outside counsel, managing corporate governance, and ensuring ethical practices throughout the company.
Outside of work, Bill enjoys spending time in nature with his wife Rachel, as well as spending time with family and friends exploring new places and chasing new (often unusual) experiences. Bill is proud to have helped raise 3 children who are citizens of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians and is the proud grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of two who compete for his free time.