Ep. 21 | Attorney James Meggesto (RES 2025 Live Recording)

We're back! Episode 21 of The Native Edge podcast is a conversation with Holland and Knight attorney James Meggesto that took place during the closing general session at RES 2025. This was our first-ever live recording, and we hope you enjoy the conversation that Chris and Yvette had with James. 

James discussed his career journey, first thoughts about the new Trump Administration, how Indian Country can advocate for its interests, and potential opportunities for tribes. This episode will be available on our YouTube page - so please make sure to watch it, like so many did at RES.

Holland and Knight has been a longtime supporter of both The National Center and Indian Country and we appreciate James joining us for a live episode. Take a listen, subscribe, and tell your friends!

James Meggesto |
https://www.hklaw.com/en/professionals/m/meggesto-james-t

Holland and Knight |
https://www.hklaw.com/en

National Center YouTube Page |
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNationalCenter 

Chapters

• 0:55 Introduction
• 2:36 Welcoming James Meggesto
• 3:38 James's Career Journey
• 5:36 Influences
• 7:33 NCAI in the 1990s
• 8:52 Native-to-Native Collaboration
• 10:34 First Jobs After NCAI
• 12:00 Holland and Knight and Indian Country
• 13:44 Supporting The Next Generation
• 16:20 Early Thoughts on the Trump Administration
• 18:34 8(a) Program
• 20:18 Advocating with the Administration and Congress
• 22:27 National Center Programs Funded by the Federal Government
• 23:35 Tribal/Federal Collaboration
• 25:24 Tips on Advocacy
• 27:17 Wrap Up and Staying Grounded