Michael Burrage made history as the first Native American federal judge to be appointed in the United States. A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Burrage has spent decades using the law to protect tribal sovereignty, preserve natural resources, and advocate for communities facing injustice. In this conversation with host Renee Rothauge, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to trial law – from early mentorship to litigating historic tribal cases to serving on the federal bench. Now back in private practice, Burrage continues to handle complex, high-stakes litigation, securing landmark verdicts and settlements for his clients, highlighting why helping those in need remains the most meaningful measure of his success.
