The University of Tulsa College of Law is proud to announce that Sara Hill (JD ’03) has been nominated as a U.S. district judge in Oklahoma. If confirmed, she would make history as the first Native American or Alaska Native woman to hold this position in the state.
Hill is highly qualified, having previously served as the attorney general of the Cherokee Nation from 2019 to 2023. Prior to that, she held several key roles within the nation, including secretary of natural resources, deputy attorney general, and assistant attorney general. She has also worked as a special assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Hill boasts an impressive track record of litigating at all levels of state and federal courts, with a primary focus on issues pertaining to the Cherokee Nation’s treaty rights and the preservation of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
The nomination of Hill to the federal bench in Oklahoma is a significant milestone in the fight for increased Native representation in the federal courts. Organizations such as the Native American Rights Fund and the National Congress of American Indians have long advocated for greater diversity and inclusion within the judiciary. Hill’s opportunity is a testament to her performance record, the hard work of these organizations, and the tireless efforts of many dedicated individuals working within the Native legal community.
As a lawyer in private practice, Hill is well positioned to bring a valuable perspective to a role as a federal judge. Her extensive experience within the Cherokee Nation and her deep understanding of the challenges and complexities facing indigenous communities will undoubtedly prove invaluable in her work on the bench.