Roger Owers

About Me

In 1993, after graduating with a civil engineering degree from the University of Arizona, I began my career as a field engineer owner’s representative, inspecting a taxiway bridge at Sky Harbor International Airport.  I then went to work for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as in-house construction manager, where I served until 1998.  In 1995, I also earned a Masters degree in construction management from Arizona State University.  As a contractor and construction manager, I built and managed the construction of several million dollars' worth of projects, including residential, commercial, and heavy/highway projects.

Then, I moved to Wyoming to attend law school at the University of Wyoming.  I worked my through law school teaching and doing research in the civil engineering department, where I also earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering.  I graduated law school in May of 2001 and graduated with the Ph.D. in December of 2001.

I then went back to work for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, this time as in-house legal counsel.  In 2004, I went into private law practice, building a practice focused on Indian law, commercial real estate law, and construction law.

In 2010, I was asked to investigate a property and casualty insurance claim.  That began a line of work as serving as an investigator in similar disputes.

In 2014, I decided to broaden my career to include commercial real estate and land.  I continued to practice law until 2023, when I decided to make my law license "inactive."  However, I continue to consult in real estate, engineering, and construction projects, including projects in Indian Country.

In 2016, I was asked to serve as a neutral hearing officer for an employee / employer dispute in a Tribal government.  That begain a line of work in serving as a hearing officer / administrative law judge in disputes in Indian Country.

I have also served as a former visiting assistant professor at the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University.  As a member of the Construction Law Section and Indian Law Section of the State Bar of Arizona, I gave several CLE presentations on topics pertaining to Real Estate and Construction Law in Indian Country.  And, as a member of the Executive Committee of the ASU Center for Construction in Indian Country, I gave several presentations on Construction in Indian Country.  I also served as the editor of the Proceedings of the 2004 through 2011 Construction in Indian Country Conferences.

I like the variety and the challenge that serving in many disciplines brings.  Over the years I have served many clients in many situations.  Sometimes I help clients prevent problems, other times I help them solve problems.  In short, I enjoy it all: real estate, Indian Country, hearings, investigations, and engineering and construction work.

When not working, Roger serves in his church and enjoys time with his family.  He also swims with the Swim Devil Masters Swim Team and enjoys open water swims, such as the annual La Jolla Rough Water Swim.  He played water polo at the University of Arizona and continues to compete for the Scottsdale Water Polo Club.