While in law school
at the University of Tulsa, Mr. Little Axe was selected and served as an
intern with the Native American Rights Fund. It was there he witnessed
the difficulties Native Americans have with the American legal system and
courts in general. Those experiences harden his resolve to help Native
people deal with their legal problems in manner that was respectful to both
their culture and economic status.
After graduating, Mr. Little Axe not only became a founding partner with Mr.
Tripp, but also served as assistant to legal counsel for the Absentee
Shawnee and then the Chickasaw Nation, before settling in as General Counsel
for the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma. From then to now, Mr. Little Axe has
continued to serve other tribes as a Judge, Gaming Commissioner, Health Board
Member, and Legal Counsel.
Mr. Little Axe resides in Miami, Oklahoma with his wife Claudia and children
Troy III, William, Claude, and Jamison. Family is of the utmost
importance and that value is reflected in Mr. Little Axe's leadership and the
Firm's direction.
Mr. Little Axe considers himself a traditionalist who believes and
practices traditional Shawnee ways. He believes this enables him to
bridge a gap of understanding between Indians and Non-Indians in our society
and that this understanding will help him help native people.