Erick J. Giles

Erick J. Giles is an attorney at Drummond Woodsum in Portland, Maine whose practice focuses on Tribal Nations law, federal Indian law, treaty rights, land stewardship, regulation, and economic development. He represents federally recognized Tribal Nations, Indian families, and nonprofit organizations on legal and commercial matters. His work includes treaty rights, Tribal and individual land stewardship, state and federal regulation, commercial contracts, economic development, labor and employment, cannabis and alcohol regulation, and federal recognition.

Giles earned a J.D. from the University of Maine in 2016, a Master’s in City Planning and Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma in 2005, and a B.A. in Native American Studies from the University of Oklahoma in 2002. He is also a LEED-accredited professional with training relevant to land use and planning. This background supports Giles’ legal analysis and problem solving in Tribal Nations and federal Indian law, including work requiring close attention to detailed facts, governing rules, and practical consequences.

Giles’ experience includes Tribal legal matters involving property rights, economic development, nonprofit organization, land use, treaty questions, federal recognition, and interactions with state and federal agencies. Giles previously worked for the Indian Land Tenure Foundation and has represented or advised Tribal clients in matters involving the Quapaw Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, and federal recognition proceedings. Through these matters, Giles helps clients assess legal options, manage risk, and move through transactions, disputes, administrative processes, or litigation as the situation requires.

Erick J. Giles is recognized in Native American Law and has published on Native lands, natural resources, and climate adaptation in Indian Country. He serves on boards and organizations focused on Tribal land, taxation, and Indigenous community interests. In serving Tribal Nations, Indian families, and nonprofits, Giles brings practical judgment and subject-matter knowledge to the issues presented. Giles helps Tribal Nations protect sovereignty, lands, resources, and economic interests with advice grounded in the specific facts and legal framework of each matter.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Drummond Woodsum
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of New Mexico
• Chair, Board of Directors, Haudenosaunee Nationals Development Group (2021-Present)
• Board Member, National Intertribal Tax Alliance (2023-Present)
• Board Member, National Tribal Land Association (2021-Present)
• Planning Board Member, August – June, South Portland Planning Board, South Portland, Maine (2013)
• Chairman, Indian Land Tenure Foundation (2011)
• Coach, South Portland Youth Lacrosse (2022 – Present)
• Counseling Specialist, August – December, Riverside Indian Boarding School, Anadarko, Oklahoma (2001)
• Volunteer, July, Habitat for Humanity, Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, Pierre, South Dakota (1999)

Licensed State

• Maine
• New Mexico

Education

• University of Maine School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Oklahoma
  Master of Regional and City Planning
• University of Oklahoma
  Master of Public Administration
• University of Oklahoma
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Native American Studies

Awards & Badges