Michael Burrage

Michael Burrage is an attorney, former judge, and proud member of the Choctaw Nation. He studied at the University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Law after completing his undergraduate degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU). His career in the legal field began as a partner at Stamper & Burrage from 1974 to 1994. In 1977 he won the award for Oklahoma's Most Outstanding Young Lawyer and served as the president of the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1990.

Burrage was appointed a United States judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma by President Bill Clinton in 1994 and served until 2001. He was later appointed Chief of the United States Court of Appeals, for the 10th circuit. He has the distinction of being the first Native American Federal Judge. After his judicial career, Burrage returned to private practice. Notable clients include the University of Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation. He was appointed to represent the state against big pharma companies and helped in the recovery of almost a billion dollars to the taxpayers of the state from the opioid manufacturing industry. This victory led to the founding of the National Center for Recovery and Wellness at Oklahoma State University.

A public servant at heart, Burrage works tirelessly with the Oklahoma Bar Association hosting community education events. He served as the chair of the American College of Trial Lawyers for the Oklahoma State Committee from 2008 to 2009 and continues to serve the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma as General Counsel. Burrage continues to create a strong legacy of service in and out of the courtroom.