Stephanie started with the EBCI in January 2019. Her focus in the Legal Assistance Office is parents’ representation in Family Safety Court, Custody, and Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Before coming to work for the Tribe, Stephanie spent nine years practicing law in Cherokee County, NC. She received her Juris Doctor and M.A. in Psychology in 2010 from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN. Her undergraduate education was completed at Sage College in Albany, NY. Stephanie’s private practice consisted primarily of parents’ representation in DSS Court, criminal defense, and custody.

Hali began working with the EBCI Legal Assistance Office in May 2017. She is an enrolled member of the EBCI and resides on the Qualla Boundary in the Birdtown Community. She received her A.A.S. in Paralegal Technology in 2015 from Southwestern Community College and B.S. in Criminal Justice in 2021 from Western Carolina University. Hali is a Certified Paralegal with the North Carolina State Bar.

Heather began working for the Legal Assistance Office in October 2018. She resides in Sylva, NC. Heather attended Southwestern Community College where she received her A.A.S. in Human Services Technology-Substance Abuse in 2011 and a certificate in Paralegal Technology in 2020. Heather has many years of experience in the legal field. She has held positions at Swain County DSS, Tribal Child Support and the Cherokee Clerk’s Office.

Kelly Hebrank is a North Carolina attorney licensed in both state and tribal courts. She focuses on family safety and domestic violence matters, providing compassionate advocacy for clients facing challenging circumstances.

A graduate of University of North Carolina School of Law with honors, Kelly has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable communities through Legal Aid of North Carolina prior to joining the Legal Assistance Office in 2021. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking, hiking with her dogs, and exploring the outdoors.

Jerad is a North Carolina attorney dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal matters with skill and care. He focuses his practice on criminal defense, drawing on experience in both private practice and public service.

A graduate of University of Georgia School of Law and licensed to practice in North Carolina, Jerad is committed to providing clear, effective advocacy for his clients. Outside of the office, he enjoys bluegrass music and golfing

Leo serves as the Lead Tribal Prosecutor for the EBCI since August 5, 2024. Prior to that, he was in private practice for 35 years handling child custody and felony criminal defense. His experience includes having served as the Graham County DSS Attorney from 1990-2000. He served as the Child Support Enforcement Attorney for Swain, Graham, Clay, and Macon County as well as the Qualla Boundary from 1991-1996. He has also served as Town Attorney for Andrews from 2017-2019 as well as Robbinsville from 2023-2024. Served as Attorney Advocate for EBCI Family Safety from 2018-2023. He currently resides in Murphy, N.C..

Randle serves at Senior Tribal Prosecutor for the EBCI. Prior to prosecuting for the Tribe, Randle served as Assistant District Attorney for the 24^th Judicial District handling murder cases, major crimes, and violent felonies. Randle has previously served the Tribe as an Associate Judge of the Tribal Court from 2017-2021. Randle has also served as a State District Court Judge in the 24^th Judicial District in Guilford County, N.C. before coming to Cherokee. Randle’s legal experience includes having had his own law firm and has previously served as an Assistant Public Defender, Labor Lawyer, and Police Attorney for the City of High Point, N.C.. Randle also spent 9 years as a Deputy Sheriff serving as a Lieutenant with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department before attending Law School. Randle’s public service also includes 22 years on the Stokesdale Town Counsel serving 18 years as Mayor. Randle is a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the State of N.C. for his public service.  

Hayden serves as a Tribal Prosecutor for the EBCI Tribal Prosecutor’s Office. Prior to prosecuting for the Tribe, Hayden served as a state prosecutor in Gaston, Catawba, and Lincoln Counties for 6 years. In state court Hayden prosecuted every type of crime from murder to traffic infractions and specialized in the prosecution of narcotics and dangerous drug prosecutions. Hayden also served as the Child Protective Services Attorney for Lincoln County DSS from 2023 through 2024. Hayden is a proud Cherokee County native and a double graduate of Campbell University and Campbell University School of Law.

Amy serves as the Paralegal/Victim-Witness Coordinator for the EBCI. She resides in the Birdtown community with her fiancé, Michael Lambert, and their three beautiful children, Jamy-lyn, Braelyn and Daryn. She graduated from Robbinsville High School in June of 2008. She has been a Tribal employee since November 2010. She began her career with the Clerk’s office at Cherokee Tribal Court as a receptionist and was promoted a year later to an Assistant Clerk of Court in 2011, where she was responsible for many job duties as the Criminal, Traffic, Civil and Domestic Violence Assistant Clerk of Court. During this time, she earned her A.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Tri-County Community College in May of 2014 and completed her B.S. degree in Criminal Justice in May of 2016 from Western Carolina University. In April of 2017, she served as the Interim Clerk of Court until October of 2017. In April of 2018, she began her career with the Office of the Tribal Prosecutor as the Victim/Witness Coordinator and have worked with many victims and witnesses on the Qualla Boundary as an advocate, including in Buncombe County Federal Court. She is now serving as a Paralegal for the Office of the Tribal Prosecutor and continue to advocate for victims and witnesses. In December of 2022, she earned her M.S. degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Oklahoma. She plans to enroll in the Fall 2026 semester to obtain her A.S. degree in Paralegal at Southwestern Community College. She enjoys working with the community and being an advocate in the Courtroom. She finds her work very rewarding, and she is highly engaged in her current role.

Hali serves at the Victim Advocate for the EBCI since September 9, 2024. She is an enrolled member of the EBCI and resides in the Birdtown Community with her husband Jamie and their son, Daxton. She received her A.A. from Southwestern Community College in 2010. She went on to receive her B.S. in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University in 2020 as well as her M.S. in Criminal Justice from Colorado State University Global in 2025. She is working to obtain a Paralegal Certificate through Western Carolina University starting in January. She has many years of experience in the Criminal Justice field including Assistant Clerk at Tribal Court as a receptionist, Small Claim/Civil, and Traffic clerk. She has worked as a Paralegal at EBCI Family Safety Program. She has really enjoyed her time in this capacity as advocating for the victims of the community.