Van Ness Feldman is pleased to announce that Maranda S. Compton has joined the firm’s Native Affairs practice as Of Counsel.

Ms. Compton brings nearly a decade of experience working on federal Indian law, energy, natural resource, and consumer finance issues to the firm. As an Associate in the Denver office of a global law firm, Ms. Compton focused on representing tribal and non-tribal clients in commercial transactions, project development, issues of federal, state and tribal regulation, environmental permitting, and energy and natural resources.  She has particular knowledge of the oil and gas industry.  Ms. Compton is also an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.  

The addition of Ms. Compton complements the expansion of the firm’s Native Affairs practice which began with the addition of Partner Edward D. Gehres III as Practice Coordinator in 2014, and Associate Scott Nuzum, who has special expertise in off-shore oil and gas development on Federal and Indian Lands, and also includes the recent addition of Robert Conrad, a former Gates Millennium Scholar and enrolled member of  the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma as law clerk with the firm.  Together, they deepen the firm’s nationally respected Alaska Native and Indian Affairs team. 

“Maranda’s experience offers additional depth and expertise to our Native Affairs clients. She brings a wealth of experience in complex litigation and transactional matters and a deep understanding of the unique challenges of doing business in Indian Country,” said Ed Gehres, Coordinator of the firm’s Native American practice.       

Richard Agnew, Chairman of Van Ness Feldman, commented, “We are delighted that Maranda has joined the firm.  Maranda’s capabilities further strengthen the services the firm’s highly regarded Native Affairs team can offer clients.”

Ms. Compton holds a J.D. from University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, and a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross.  She can be reached at 202-298-1806 or mcompton@vnf.com. 

With over 100 professionals in Washington, DC and Seattle, Van Ness Feldman is a recognized national leader focused on law and policy relating to energy, the environment, natural resources, land use, and real estate. Clients benefit from the firm’s strategic and substantive approach to problem-solving, as well as from our professionals’ deep understanding of our clients’ industries and business imperatives. The firm excels at large-scale project development, as well as in representing clients on their day-to-day commercial, regulatory, litigation, and policy needs. Learn more at www.vnf.com.