Esther A. Labrado

Esther A. Labrado is an attorney at Drummond Woodsum in Portland, Maine whose practice focuses on Tribal Nations law and trial services, including jurisdiction, code development, and Tribal justice systems. She advises Tribal Nations and related clients on legal questions involving government authority, justice systems, criminal jurisdiction, and community protection. Her practice areas include Business & Corporate, Litigation, and Tribal Nations Law.

Labrado earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from San Francisco State University. Her education is complemented by policy and appellate experience focused on Tribal sovereignty and justice. This background supports Labrado’s legal analysis and problem solving in Tribal Nations law and litigation, including work that requires close attention to detailed facts, governing rules, and practical consequences.

Labrado’s experience includes work as Legal Manager and Policy Lead for the National Congress of American Indians, where she worked on implementation of the Violence Against Women Act of 2013 and Tribal justice initiatives. Labrado has managed grant programs supporting victim services, worked with the Tribal Supreme Court Project, and clerked for the Alaska Court of Appeals before entering private practice. Through these matters, Labrado helps clients assess legal options, manage risk, and move through disputes, administrative processes, or litigation as the situation requires.

Esther A. Labrado has received current recognition in Native American Law, including Rising Stars and Best Lawyers Ones to Watch listings. Her background combines litigation, policy, code development, appellate work, and national Tribal advocacy. In serving Tribal Nations and related organizations, Labrado brings practical judgment and subject-matter knowledge to the issues presented. Labrado helps Tribal governments strengthen legal systems, exercise jurisdiction, and address complex sovereignty issues with advice grounded in the specific facts and legal framework of each matter.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Drummond Woodsum
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Member, District of Columbia Bar

Licensed State

• California
• Maine
• District of Columbia

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• San Francisco State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges