R. Joseph Sexton

Mr. Sexton’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation defending indigenous rights and litigating tribal environmental and cultural resources disputes in federal, tribal, state, and administrative forums. He has litigated indigenous civil rights matters on behalf of individuals and represents tribal governments outside of the courtroom in economic development and natural resources matters. Mr. Sexton has also successfully represented individuals in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases against private parties and governments. He has argued before the Washington State Supreme Court and the Washington Court of Appeals, and he has litigated in Washington State, Oregon, and United States District Courts in both states, and he has represented clients before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Sexton was named a Rising Star for the years 2016-2018 by Super Lawyers® magazine. Before joining Galanda Broadman, he worked in-house for a tribal government. His legal advocacy there resulted in the development of tribal government programs, including a first-of-its-kind tribal vehicle licensing program and associated tribal code revisions. Mr. Sexton also successfully fought in courts and administrative forums to protect his client’s tribal sovereignty, the rights of Tribal citizens, and threatened cultural resources. In addition, he negotiated contracts and worked to close the purchase and sale of businesses and lands. His experiences before practicing law—including service in the United States Marine Corps and working on human rights issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina—equipped him to thrive in diverse communities, work efficiently and effectively under pressure, relentlessly pursue his clients’ objectives, and serve American indigenous communities.