Kimberly Cluff

Since becoming a member of the California Bar in 1998, Kimberly has worked exclusively in the field of Tribal law. After working as a law clerk, then as an attorney, at California Indian Legal Services, Kimberly went into private practice as a partner at Forman & Associates and focused on a broad array of Indian Law issues. In 2015, Kimberly was honored to accept the role of In-House General Counsel for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. A decision to return to school coincided with Kimberly joining California Tribal Families Coalition as the Legal Director and starting graduate school at the Goldman School of Public Policy, U.C. Berkeley. Kimberly’s career has always focused on advocating for tribes and Native non-profits, including advocacy and litigation connected to tribal economic development, intergovernmental agreements, Indian child and family welfare, strengthening of tribal courts and tribal governance, and development and protection of tribal infrastructure. Kimberly extends her advocacy to state and federal legislative efforts; she has spearheaded the California Tribal Customary Adoption Act, worked with lawmakers to secure federal resources for Indian Country, and served on various policy-oriented committees, including the American Bar Association’s Children’s Rights Litigation Committee. Kimberly is admitted to practice in California and various tribal courts.