Robert Osley Saunooke

Mr. Saunooke continues a long familial history of working with American Indians and Tribal Governments. For over 20 years Robert has assisted Tribes and their members throughout the United States in the creation and drafting of Tribal legislation and has worked with a number of Tribal Governments throughout Indian Country assisting them in enacting legislation and codifying their own laws, including the Susanville Indian Rancheria (1994-95) Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians serving as Legislative Counsel from 1997-1999; Seminole Tribe of Florida and Hard Rock International as General Counsel to Chairman James E. Billie 2000- 2001 and 2011-2012. From 1998-2000 Robert served as juvenile public defender in the Cherokee Tribal Court and assisted in the implementation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians domestic violence and violence against children program. In addition, Robert has worked with a number of tribes in complex litigation involving gaming, Native American Housing, compact negotiations, and general legal advisor for Class II gaming. Most recently Robert appeared before Congress representing Jose Canseco and has gained notoriety as one of the leading legal commentators on the legalities of drug use in sports and the workplace.

Prior to entering the field of law, Robert was a member of the Brigham Young University Football team, and the recipient of the Shining Example of America Award for Acts of Heroism associated with his actions in saving the lives of eleven children.

Robert is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Grandson of Osley Bird Saunooke Chief of the Eastern Cherokees, and son of Osley Bird Saunooke, Jr. first director of USET, and former Vice President of NCAI. Robert has three children and resides with his wife in Florida and Cherokee, North Carolina.