Pilar Thomas

Part-time Professor of Practice

Education

  • J.D. University of New Mexico School of Law
    2002
    Graduated magna cum laude; Order of the Coif
  • B.A. Stanford University
    1983

Admitted to Practice

  • Supreme Court of Arizona
  • U.S. District Court for District of Arizona
  • Federal Court of Claims
  • U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Work Experience

  • Partner, Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Practice Group
    Quarles & Brady LLP, Tucson, Arizona
    2020 - present
  • Of Counsel, Regulatory and Government Affairs and Tribal Affairs and Gaming Practice Groups
    Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP, Tucson, Arizona
    2015 - 2020
  • Deputy Director, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
    U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.
    2011 - 2014
  • Deputy Solicitor - Indian Affairs
    Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
    2009 - 2011
  • Of Counsel, Tribal Affairs and Gaming Practice Group
    Lewis and Roca LLP, Tucson, Arizona
    2007 - 2009
  • Chief of Staff, Office of the Chairwoman
    Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tucson, Arizona
    2007
  • Deputy Attorney General/Interim Attorney General
    Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tucson, Arizona
    2005 - 2007
  • Trial Attorney, Indian Resources Section
    Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
    2002 - 2005

Organizations

  • Board Member and Immediate Past President, Native American Bar Association of Arizona
    2015 – present
  • Committee Chair, Native American Resources Committee, ABA SEER
    2019 - 2020
  • Trustee at Large, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation
    2019 - 2020
Professor of Practice