May Alum of the Month Andy Huff ('99) embodies the spirit of Colorado Law. Huff has dedicated his career to helping underserved populations in need across his home state of Montana. Currently, Huff is the chief legal counsel to the Governor of Montana Steve Bullock. Prior to working with Governor Bullock, Huff also provided legal expertise to former Governor Brian Schweitzer and worked in the public sector improving State and American Indian tribal relations.
Huff is an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy’s Reservation, but he grew up with his adopted family in Missoula. Upon graduating high school, Huff left the Mountain West to explore the east coast. He received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University and was soon on the move again. He joined the Peace Corps and began what turned out to be a career in public service.
Upon returning from the Peace Corps, he decided to equip himself with the skills to provide legal assistance to Indian people and Tribes. Huff chose Colorado Law because of the school’s renowned Indian Law concentration. He felt a pull toward his roots and a desire to serve those with unmet needs. Huff remembers working with Professor Sarah Krakoff in the American Indian Law Clinic as some of the most meaningful work he performed during his time in Boulder.
Huff returned to his home state of Montana after graduation to work at the Indian Law Resource Center. There he worked with the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Tribes in a lawsuit against the state to compel the treatment of water contaminated by a mine located just off the Fort Belknap Reservation. Huff soon after decided to open a private practice and sharpened his teeth litigating in court. His frequent cases spanned all fields of law, and he remembers spending the majority of his time in criminal defense in federal court.
In 2006, Huff joined Governor Schweitzer’s staff to help develop agreements between the state and various tribes. He next worked as assistant attorney general to Attorney General Steve Bullock in the Justice Department, where he continued to focus on tribal relations and expanded his responsibilities to include campaign finance reform and water law.
In 2012, Bullock was elected Governor of Montana and shortly after the election he appointed Huff as his chief legal counsel. While Huff continues to increase the number of legal areas in which he works, he has never strayed far from his Indian law focus. Huff works extensively with Montana tribes developing state-tribal agreements, including a major water compact with the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. The CSKT water compact was signed into law by Governor Bullock on April 24, 2015.
After being raised by his adopted family in Missoula, Huff tracked down his biological family. He credits both his upbringing in Missoula and the major influence of his Chippewa Cree family with shaping his approach to his career. Today, Huff lives in Helena with his wife and two children. Looking ahead, Huff is not sure what the next chapter in his life will be, but he is looking forward to two more years with Governor Bullock and when the Governor is up for reelection, Huff hopes to continue working for him and the many Montanans that need legal support.
Five Questions for Andy Huff ('99)
1. What is your fondest memory of being a student at Colorado Law?
The intensity of an ICWA trial as part of my time in the American Indian Law Clinic under the direction of Professor Sarah Krakoff; the hard work of editing articles for the Colorado Journal of International Environmental Law & Policy; the entertaining lectures of David Getches and Charles Wilkinson; and fishing and hunting with classmates when we all should have been studying.
2. What do you know now that you wish you had known in law school?
In the law, details come easy once you have a solid understanding of the big picture. Get a broad understanding of your classes first, then learn the details.
3. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Always be civil to opposing counsel. If you’re angry it probably means you’re losing. Opposing counsel will think so anyway.
4. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
My family. My Indian family for their acceptance and for teaching me that even in the darkest times we survive by sticking together. My adoptive family for their unwavering belief in me (whether I deserve it or not!). And of course my wife and kids, for their love and support.
5. Of what accomplishment are you most proud?
(1) Getting the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes water compact and comprehensive campaign finance reform passed in the Montana legislature.
(2) Learning campaign finance law in the first place.