Kelsey Haake, Associate at our Phoenix law office
Kelsey Haake vcard
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Kelsey Haake

Associate
Biography

Kelsey Haake focuses her practice in commercial finance, which includes assisting clients as they navigate issues associated with lending and other commercial transactions within Indian Country. Kelsey drafts and reviews loan documentation as well as helps clients work through all stages of the economic development process including due diligence, attaining federal approval, and relationship building. Kelsey has managed real estate transactions, including, leasing, and development work within Indian Country, conducting thorough due diligence to identify and address potential legal risks. Negotiated and drafted contracts in alignment with tribal laws and regulations, collaborating with tribal leaders and stakeholders to drive successful real estate initiatives.

Prior to joining the firm, Kelsey served as a Certified Financial Planner and taught various financial literacy courses in Indian Country. She previously served as a board member for the Phoenix Indian Center and as speaker at the Association of American Law Schools, Indian Nations & Indigenous People Collaboration, hosted workshops with the First Alaskans Institute Elders and Youth Conference and has been highlighted in many publications regarding her dedication to Alaska Natives and Native American people. Kelsey currently serves as a board advisor for the Arizona Council on Economic Education which focuses on financial literacy throughout the state of Arizona.

Kelsey is an enrolled member of the Native Village of Barrow.

 

Credentials

Bar Admissions

  • Arizona


Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Arizona


Education

  • University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law (J.D.)
    • Dean’s Scholarship, Witkin Scholar, Potamkin Scholar
    • Penn Law Native America Law Student Association, 1L Representative, Co-President
    • National Native American Law School Student Association, Area 6 Representative
    • Penn Law Democracy Law project, Native American Voting Rights Manager
    • Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award
    • Wharton Business School, Certificate in Management
  • New Mexico State University (B.A., Economics – with honors)
Experience

Awards & Recognition

  • Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 under 40, Class of 2015

Previous Professional Experience

  • Snell & Wilmer, Summer Associate (2021, 2022)
  • Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Legal Intern (2021)
  • Inuvut Financial Services, LLC, Founder – Financial Planner (2016-2020)
  • First Western Trust, Relationship Manager, Investment Management (2014-2016)
  • Vanguard, Client Relationship Associate (2013-2014)

Community Involvement

  • Arizona Council on Economic Education, Board Advisor (2022-Present)
  • Ms. JD Annual Conference, Speaker (2022)
  • Association of American Law Schools, Indian Nations & Indigenous Peoples Collaboration, Speaker (2021)
  • University of Pennsylvania Center for Ethics and Rule of Law – Circling the Arctic, Participant and Speaker (2020)
  • Phoenix Indian Center, Board Member (2016-2020, 2024-present)
  • First Alaskans Institute Elder’s and Youth Conference, Speaker (2016-2017)
  • Native American Basketball Invitational, Speaker (2015-2016)

Representative Presentations and Publications