Our People and Resources

The 1909 Executive Order creating the Public Lands Division listed by name each of the nine persons who would work in the new office.  From the very beginning, it seemed to recognize that one of this new venture’s greatest strengths would be the people working together for this common mission.  These nine people successfully discharged the duty to create an office dedicated to the practice of lands and Indian law --- even more, they established a Division which stands today as one of the best places to work in government, largely on the strength of its people.

From the original nine attorneys and stenographers, the Division grew to a staff of over 50 persons, and then exploded in the post-WWII years to include more than 10 times that number, ultimately reaching 700 staff today.

The people working in the Division today value the opportunities afforded to perform public and community service every day that they are on the job.  Some are seen publicly in the performance of their work – as Assistant Attorneys General who lead the Division, or as attorneys appearing in the courtroom on behalf of the Government.  Others serve behind the scenes researching principles of law, preparing court exhibits, or working in administration, but each plays a vital role.

Just as our human resources have changed over the past 100 years, so have our financial resources.  The Lands Division operated on a $41,000 budget in 1909.  In 2009, ENRD’s congressionally-appropriated budget topped $103 million.

Learn more about Our People and Resources using the links below: