Indian Child Welfare Act and Tribal Law Expertise

For over twenty years Roz has been working with Native American tribes in protecting their sovereignty and defending their rights under the Indian Child Welfare Act all of the way to the United States Supreme Court. Roz successfully argued In re Zylena R. before the Nebraska Supreme Court which resulted in one of the strongest appellate opinions regarding the favorable application of ICWA to Indian children. In re Zylena R. continues to be a model opinion that is frequently cited by other states and the BIA. Besides defending tribal rights under ICWA, Roz has represented tribal interest in employment matters, real estate transactions, state contract negotiations, taxation matters and general oversight of legal matters in state courts, federal courts and tribal courts. 

Roz has a real passion for helping others. And when not doing so as a lawyer, she cherishes her time with family, enjoys working out, loves coaching youth volleyball and is blessed to volunteer with nonprofits. 

Support Staff

Practice Areas

• Alternative Dispute/Mediation
• Family Law
• Guardianship / Conservatorship
• Parent Coordinator
• Insurance Defense
• Personal Injury
• Indian Child Welfare Act and Tribal Law

Admissions

• U.S. Supreme Court
• Iowa
• Nebraska
• U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa
• Winnebago Tribal Court
• Omaha Tribal Court

Education

• Creighton University, Juris Doctor 2001
• Briar Cliff College, Bachelor of Arts 1998

Community Involvement

• Diocese of Sioux City – Bishop’s Scholarship Committee 2015 — present
• Iowa Women Lead Change – Steering Committee 2014 — 2018
• Youth Volleyball Coach 2012 — present
• Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools – Governance Board 2017 — present
• Briar Cliff University – Board of Trustees 2012 — February 2017
• Briar Cliff University – Executive Committee 2014 — 2016
• Briar Cliff University – Finance Committee Chair 2014 — 2016
• Native American Advisory Committee – Founding Member 2010 — 2013
• Briar Cliff University – Sister Muriel Ford Circle of Mentors 2006 — 2012
• Tribal/​State Court Collaboration – Committee on Children in the Courts Subcommittee 2011 — 2012
• Bishop Heelan Catholic School – Strategic Planning Committee, Chair 2011 — 2012
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland – Board President 2007 — 2009; Board Member 2006 — 2011
• Briar Cliff University – Alumni Board 2004 — 2011
• Hope Street – Executive Board 2021 — Current
• Heelan Youth Athletics – Board and Chair Volleyball 2021 — Current