Miller Nash LLP partner and tribal team co-leader, Brie Coyle Jones, will serve as the firm’s first Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). As CDO, Brie provides thoughtful leadership to firm management to ensure that the firm stays at the forefront of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the legal profession and beyond. She will be leading and collaborating with the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee to develop and advance DEI initiatives, including the firm’s billable-hour credit, women & minority business enterprise program, and establishing an annual diverse attorney retreat. Brie also joined the firm’s Executive Committee this year.
“Brie brings a high level of thoughtfulness, inclusion, and intellect to everything she does,” says Kieran Curley, managing partner of Miller Nash. “She is a persuasive advocate, and we are looking forward to her ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered throughout the firm’s decision-making processes. We are grateful and excited to have her leadership both as CDO and on our Executive Committee to expand our firm’s commitment to DEI.”
Brie has devoted years of service to organizations focused on the development of diverse people in the community. She is a current board member of Potlatch Fund, a Native-led nonprofit that provides grants and leadership developments to Tribal Nations. She also mentors American Indian and Alaskan Native students. Brie was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2022 and has been selected for inclusion as a Washington Super Lawyer—Rising Star since 2017 and in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch since 2021.
Brie will continue her practice in law, taking care of and overseeing the expanding work that Miller Nash does for the firm’s tribal clients.
“I am truly honored to serve the firm as its first Chief Diversity Officer,” said Brie. “I look forward to being an advocate for the firm’s diverse attorneys, creating and leading new initiatives to retain our diverse people, and partnering with leadership to ensure that DEI is at the forefront of all firm decisions.”
The decision for Miller Nash to add a Chief Diversity Officer stems from a continued firm priority to develop and encourage the success of diverse attorneys, including coaching and the development of initiatives designed to retain and advance their careers. An important pillar of the Miller Nash vision is to lead the way to achieve true diversity and inclusion across our firm, all levels of management, each practice team, all committees, and staffing. The hiring of a CDO is a monumental and important step toward achieving that.
About Brie Coyle Jones
Brie provides counsel to tribal governments and tribal enterprises on gaming, tax, liquor, cannabis, real estate, and other economic development matters. She counsels tribes, tribal enterprises, and lenders in tribal-related financing projects for infrastructure improvements, gaming facilities, and resort properties. Brie understands the complex and unique intricacies of tribes’ unique sovereign status and jurisdictional issues associated with tribal lands. She also advises non-tribal entities in their commercial transactions with tribes and tribal enterprises. Brie is a descendant of the Quileute Nation.
About Miller Nash LLP
Miller Nash is a nationally recognized, industry-focused law firm with offices in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska. Every decision we make is with our clients and providing exceptional service in mind. Miller Nash is administratively organized by industry teams to ensure that our professionals develop a deep understanding of the business issues and opportunities faced by our clients. Our industry teams include construction; cannabis; education; energy; financial services; real estate development; and technology, while the firm also serves a broad range of clients with business, employment, tax, and litigation needs.
In addition to our care and priority for excellent client service, Miller Nash has a long history of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our firm and in the communities we serve. Miller Nash is participating in the Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification Program, a program aimed to boost the representation of diverse lawyers in law firm leadership by broadening the pool of candidates considered for these opportunities. In 2022, Miller Nash completed the Mansfield 5.0 program and received Certification Plus status, a distinction only awarded to 108 firms nationally.
More information is available at millernash.com/diversity.
