New Managing Attorney for Alaska Native Justice Center

The Alaska Native Justice Center (ANJC) now has eight attorneys among its total staff of thirty, thanks to two new hires.

Samantha Cherot joins ANJC as Managing Attorney. In that role, Cherot collaborates with ANJC’s COO Alex Cleghorn to strategize and develop service delivery processes. Cherot brings a wealth of experience in public defense and legal administration. In her previous position as the Public Defender for the State of Alaska, Cherot supervised thirteen offices throughout the state, providing representation to indigent persons in various legal matters. Born and raised in Anchorage, Cherot earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Santa Clara University and her JD from California Western School of Law.

Also joining ANJC management is Maude Blair as Tribal Justice Manager. In that role, Blair coordinates ANJC’s Tribal Justice Support program, including statewide tribal justice initiatives. Before joining ANJC, Blair served as the senior corporate counsel for Southcentral Foundation and worked for the Alaska Federation of Natives and NANA Development Corporation. She is also on the board of the Alaska Native Heritage Center. An Iñupiat from Kiana and Kotzebue, Blair earned her undergraduate degrees from UAF and her JD and Indian Law Certificate from Arizona State University.