Suzanne R. (Susi) Schaeffer

Suzanne R. Schaeffer is Counsel in the firm's Administrative Law and Native American Law and Policy practices, based in the Washington, DC office. She concentrates on Indian lands and environmental compliance issues, drawing on years of experience in both the federal government and the private sector to resolve legal issues pertaining to Indian lands, natural resources, and the federal environmental regulatory system.

Ms. Schaeffer advises clients on acquiring land in trust for both gaming and non-gaming purposes under the fee-to-trust authorities of the US Department of the Interior, and has extensive experience working with DOI on land acquisition objectives. She counsels clients on compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental requirements in conjunction with land trust acquisitions, and provides advice on tribal environmental ordinances and the scope of state, tribal, and federal permitting authority. She is also experienced with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, advising on tribal gaming ordinances, management contracts, and Indian lands issues related to gaming facility development.

She holds a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law (1990), where she was a member of the Order of the Coif, and a B.A., cum laude, from the College of William & Mary (1985). Prior to private practice, she served in key positions at the DOI (including as Assistant Solicitor for Environment, Land and Minerals) and the US Department of Justice, where she litigated major environmental statutes including CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, and RCRA.

Susi has been recognized by Chambers USA as Band 3 in Native American Law (Nationwide, 2023-2026), by The Legal 500 US in Native American Law, and by Best Lawyers in America in Native American Law (2013-2027). She also received High Honors on the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll from the District of Columbia Courts (2022).