TAHLEQUAH, OK – The Cherokee Nation has named Paiten Taylor-Qualls Deputy Attorney General, where she will assist Attorney General Chad Harsha.
“The Office of the Attorney General is such a hardworking and committed office for the Cherokee people,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “I know that having Paiten Taylor-Qualls in her new role will benefit the Attorney General’s office greatly and the tribe as a whole.”
Taylor-Qualls began her career as an assistant attorney general and later joined the tribe in the same role, where she prepared legislative acts and monitored developments in tribal, state, and federal law. From there, she worked as an attorney for Cherokee Nation Businesses, where she provided legal advice on tribal gaming compliance and managed relationships with external counsel.
In September 2023, Taylor-Qualls returned to the Cherokee Nation Office of the Attorney General as Senior Assistant Attorney General. Her most recent role was Director of Legal Division where she led legal strategy in civil matters, oversaw litigation, contracts and regulatory matters and provided counsel on legislative and departmental initiatives.
“I am honored and grateful to step into this role as Deputy Attorney General for the Cherokee Nation,” said Taylor-Qualls. “I’m thankful for the different roles I’ve had and the opportunity to serve here at the tribe and I’m appreciative of the trust placed on me. I am excited to continue to serve my tribe and the Cherokee people in this new position.”
Since the historic 2020 McGirt decision that reaffirmed the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the tribe’s criminal jurisdiction over its land and citizens, more than $300 million has been invested to support the expansion of staffing and service needs for the Attorney General’s Office, the Marshal Service and the Cherokee Nation Court system. Thousands of court cases have been filed since the ruling, with the number increasing yearly.
“We are thrilled to welcome Paiten Taylor-Qualls in her new position as the Deputy Attorney General,” said Cherokee Nation Attorney General Chad Harsha. “She’s an exceptional attorney with diverse experience working in various roles at the Cherokee Nation Office of the Attorney General and Cherokee Nation Businesses. Over the years, I’ve seen the commitment she has to her work and dedication to protect the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee people. It’s truly an honor to work alongside Paiten during this critical time of expansion and I couldn’t imagine a better person to take on this vital deputy role.”
Paiten Taylor-Qualls recently assumed the Deputy Attorney General position.
