Steve Titla (’83, San Carlos Apache) is a founding partner of Titla & Parsi Law Firm.

Titla originally chose ASU Law to be near his family and home on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. He also earned his bachelor’s degree at ASU in 1980 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and Arizona National Guard.

Since graduating 36 years ago, Titla has had a “very interesting journey.” After passing the bar exam on his first try, he immediately began working as an attorney. Titla was an attorney with the Navajo Nation Department of Justice. He has worked in litigation, legislation and negotiations, including negotiations for all the tribe’s gaming compacts, for his people, the San Carlos Apache Tribe. He has served on various boards and commissions.  He was the president of the National Native American Bar Association, served as the Chairperson of Arizona’s Clean Elections Commission, and was appointed to the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act Review Committee during the Obama Administration. 

Now, he’s involved in the current gaming negotiations within the state, as well as serving as special counsel on water amidst water negotiations and litigation.

He also works on his ranch on the reservation.

“It is good to be off the grid in the mountains cowboying!” Titla said.

Q: What is the most valuable lesson you learned in the classroom that has helped you in your career?

A: The most valuable lesson I learned is that preparation is the key. This works in all areas of school, negotiations or litigation.

Q: Is there anything you’ve learned after graduation that you wish you learned in class?

A: I wish there were more hands-on classes in litigation matters in law school.