DesiRae A. Deschine

DesiRae A. Deschine is an Arizona attorney and senior counsel at Zwillinger Wulkan PLC, focused on tribal self-governance, federal Indian law, governmental relations, and civil rights law. She advises clients on matters involving tribal governments, compliance, legislation, business disputes, and civil rights concerns. She previously served as Assistant General Counsel for the Gila River Indian Community. She represented the Community in tribal court and provided guidance on legislative and compliance issues affecting governmental operations and related legal responsibilities.

DesiRae earned her J.D. from Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2019, along with a certificate in Federal Indian Law. She earned her M.S.W. from Arizona State University in 2011 and her B.A. in Psychology from Arizona State University in 2006. She received honors for trial advocacy, clinical work, academic achievement, and pro bono service while completing her legal education and training for practice in Arizona.

DesiRae has served as an attorney with the Navajo Nation Department of Justice and as a Government and Legislative Affairs Associate with the Navajo Nation Washington Office. She also gained experience with the Cochise County Attorney’s Office in Arizona. During law school, she worked with the Native American Rights Fund and the US Department of Justice’s Office of Tribal Justice. She also completed a federal district court externship while studying.

DesiRae A. Deschine is admitted in Arizona, the US District Court for the District of Arizona, and the Navajo Nation tribal court. She serves on boards supporting civil liberties, election reform, and legal assistance for people experiencing homelessness. She was recognized as a 2025 Phoenix Magazine Top Lawyer in Tribal Law. She also received recognition in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for her work.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Counsel, Zwillinger Wulkan PLC
• Member, State Bar of Arizona

Licensed State

• Arizona

Education

• Arizona State University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Arizona State University
  Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Arizona State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)