Law Graduate Letitia Stover Appointed Permanent Judge by Navajo Nation
Stover, from Naatsis’áán (Navajo Mountain), has been serving as a probationary judge and has now earned a permanent position following a unanimous recommendation by the Navajo Nation Law and Order Committee.
Stover's appointment is a testament to her dedication and commitment to justice within the Navajo Nation. With over 17 years of legal experience, she has made substantial contributions to the judiciary, particularly in addressing case backlogs and ensuring the timely administration of justice. Her academic background includes a Juris Doctor from the USD Knudson School of Law and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Arizona.
The Navajo Nation Council shared comments from the Navajo Nation Law and Order Committee in a press release from the Office of the Speaker.
“Judge Stover leads by example, and her actions during the pandemic showed true leadership,” said Delegate Herman Daniels. “Her dedication to serving the Navajo people, even in the most challenging of times, is a testament to her commitment to justice.”
“Throughout the pandemic, Stover continued her judicial duties under difficult circumstances, ensuring that court operations remained uninterrupted,” said Chair Eugenia Charles Newton in the press release announcement. “Her commitment to transparency and ensuring that individuals understand the rulings she delivers has solidified her position as a trusted and fair judge within the Navajo judiciary.”
Before pursuing a legal career, Stover worked as a teacher, an experience that has influenced her patient and educational approach to the bench.
The Navajo Nation Law and Order Committee's recommendation now awaits final approval from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. Once confirmed, Stover will continue to serve the Navajo Nation with the same dedication and integrity that have defined her career.
About the USD Knudson School of Law
The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is South Dakota's premier law school, dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in the legal profession. With a focus on affordability, experiential learning, and a low student-to-faculty ratio, the Knudson School of Law offers a world-class education tailored to students' professional goals.
