Donald Betts Jnr
Donald Betts J.D. B.A., is a corporate lawyer. He has advised in commercial transactions, corporate advisory, probity and corporate structuring in relation to community modelling, capacity building and infrastructure projects both in the energy and agriculture sectors.
He also has extensive experience in dealing with dispute resolution, advocacy, Indigenous law and land rights. His strengths are advising clients on sustainable business transition and transformation, in the major aspects of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG).
Before starting his own law practice, Donald was a commercial disputes and litigation Lawyer at global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright and as a corporate lawyer at Jaramer Legal (Australia’s first national majority Indigenous law firm,.
Donald previously served in the Kansas legislature as a State Senator and State Congressman in the Kansas House of Representatives, and prior to moving to Australia, Donald was nominated to represent a major U.S. political party for a bid to the United States Congress.
He is currently Ambassador (past President / co-founder) of the North American Australian Lawyer Alliance (NAALA) and holds directorships with several other for profit and not-for-profit organisations.
He is driven to help Indigenous communities around the globe to be self-governing, independent, and growing.
Experience snapshot
Advising the Northern Australia Indigenous business networks on good governance and policy frameworks including various corporate structures.
Reviewing performance of a peak Victorian Aboriginal organisation with approximately 8000 members covering governance, operations and finances.
Assisting Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology with the implementation and running of Australia’s first global Indigenous trade routes program.
Advising a major UK funds manager on the Australian Indigenous market and relevant policy and structuring considerations when entering into joint-ventures with First Nations peoples.
Reviewing Australia’s first Truth and Treaty Commission in terms of vision and objectives and publishing relevant findings internationally.
Advising on the establishment of a major First Nations cultural precinct located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia.
Advising on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and incorporation of that instrument into the Northern Territory’s Treaty process.
Advise major US company on Australian corporate strategy and company incorporation.
Advising clients on sustainable business transition and transformation, in aspects of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG).
Assisting government, stakeholders and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas, USA with infrastructure feasibility and revitalisation efforts.
Consulting with large Australian renewable energy companies seeking to do business in the United States and with over 500 First American tribes and territories.
