Attorney Randy D. Lang, who was a relentless voice for the San Carlos Apache People, especially for women and children, died on March 11, 2023, following an illness. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with cum laude honors from the American College of Law in California. As a top student, he received two American Jurisprudence Awards for Academic Excellence in law and medicine, and appellate advocacy.
Attorney Lang began practicing law on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, spanning over 20 years. As a former assistant prosecutor for the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Attorney Lang was credited for streamlining the law and order codes. He organized local legal representatives to establish the first San Carlos Apache bar association. Attorney Lang worked within the system to improve positive outcomes for defendants rather than just the terms of indefinite incarceration. He attributed his interest in the law to his mother, who raised four children on her own after his father suddenly died.
He often said that it was his mom who instilled in him a “fighting spirit.” Friends said Attorney Lang carried a warrior spirit, remembering him as an ardent advocate for the Apache People until his final days. Attorney Lang was a veteran, honorably discharged from the United States Army. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and a new grandson. A memorial service was held in Phoenix.
