Laverdure Takes Advisor Position at Akin Gump.

 Donald “Del” Laverdure has a new role in serving Indian country.

The former Indian Affairs official and political appointee in the U.S. Department of the Interior has entered an agreement to serve as a strategic advisor to clients of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP’s American Indian law and policy practice.

A release from the law firm states that his focus will be on tax, infrastructure and natural resource issues for Indian tribes, including the Crow Tribe and other tribal communities throughout the nation.

Laverdure who was recently Acting Assistant Secretary, before the appointment of Kevin Washburn, served almost three and a half years in the Department of the Interior as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs since President Barack Obama appointed him in July 2009.

Laverdure worked closely with Secretary Ken Salazar and his senior staff and testified nearly a dozen times before Congress on behalf of DOI.

“I am thrilled that someone with Del’s knowledge and experience is going to be working with our team,” stated Donald R. Pongrace, who heads Akin Gump’s policy practice. “Del has an exceptional understanding of the tremendous range of issues facing Indian tribes today and will be a great asset to our clients.”

Laverdure added, “Akin Gump has a strong and growing American Indian law group that has been a powerful advocate for tribal governmental interests. The firm’s accomplishments on behalf of the Gila River, Crow, Osage and other tribes are significant examples of how they apply their knowledge of policy and the law to make a difference for their clients. I’m excited to work with this outstanding team.”