LAWYERS AND ADVOCATES
W. GREGORY KELLY
Greg, the Firm's owner, earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law with an emphasis in indigenous peoples and natural resources law, where he was a teaching fellow, senior editor for the Oregon Review of International Law, and selected for the Order of the Coif. Prior to joining the Firm, he worked for five years at the Navajo Nation Department of Justice in its Natural Resources and Economic Development Units. Greg is a passionate advocate for his tribal clients and recognized for his achievements in Native American Law and Environmental Law by Chambers and Partners, and Best Lawyers, respectively.
Greg is licensed in New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon (inactive), the Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Tribal Courts, in the Federal District Courts for New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado, and in the Ninth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeal.
In his free time, Greg enjoys yoga, hiking, telemark skiing, cooking, and playing guitar and mandolin.
CHAD O. ABEYTA
Chad joined the Firm in March of 2023, coming from the Navajo Nation Office of Legislative Counsel, where he had advised legislative branch clients, including Council Delegates, the Health, Education and Human Services Committee, the Human Rights Commission, and the Navajo Nation Labor Commission. Chad is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Tó Baazhní’ázhí (Two who came to the water) and born for Chishí (Apache). His maternal grandfather is Tółání dine’é Kiis'áanii (Laguna Pueblo) and his paternal grandfather is áshįįhí (Salt People). Chad is from Alamo, New Mexico and fluent in the Navajo language. Chad honorably served in the U.S. Air Force and traveled abroad three times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Unified Protector. Chad earned his bachelor’s degree and juris doctor degree from the University of New Mexico. Chad also earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law. Chad’s professional experience includes advising the Firm's clients as general counsel, policy writing, legislative drafting, labor relations and employment law, litigation before the Navajo Nation Courts and administrative tribunals, and leadership on a non-profit board.
Chad is licensed in New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation, and in the Hopi Tribal courts.
MICHELLE PAULENE ABEYTA
Paulene joined the firm in October 2025 as a licensed tribal advocate and law clerk. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, New Mexico, Paulene earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Mexico and her Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Prior to joining the firm, she worked for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice in the Natural Resources Unit. Paulene later transitioned to solo practice handling domestic violence and family law matters in the Navajo Nation District Courts. Paulene is licensed to practice law on the Navajo Nation.
Paulene also brings to the Firm over ten years of professional board and leadership experience. Paulene is a Bar Commissioner for the Navajo Nation Bar Association representing the Alamo-Ramah-To'hajiilee District. Paulene also serves as a Citizen Representative in the 57th Legislature New Mexico House of Representatives, District 69. Her legislative standing committee assignments include House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources, and House Judiciary. When the Legislature is not in session, Paulene serves on the New Mexico Indian Affairs and Finance Authority Oversight Committees. In her role as a Representative, Paulene is passionate about quality of life projects for her constituents and child wellness.
Paulene’s outstanding work has been recognized with two prestigious state-wide honors: the Emerging Woman of the Year Award and the Rising Star Award, both celebrating her leadership, advocacy, and impact.
Paulene enjoys concerts, playing basketball, and traveling with her family.
