Charles Michael Hathaway

With great love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Charles Michael "Mike" Hathaway, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and respected attorney, who passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 79.

Born and raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to teachers Charles and Marie Hathaway, Mike was the youngest of two sons and a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. From a young age, his intellect and leadership were evident— in high school he proudly represented Oklahoma at the United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C., an early milestone that foreshadowed his lifelong dedication to public service.

Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Northeastern State University where he played varsity basketball. He lived in California and Florida before moving to New York, earning his Juris Doctor degree from Cornell University, where he developed a deep passion for negotiation and diplomacy—principles that would define his distinguished career in labor and trade law.

In 1975, Mike moved to Washington, D.C., where he began his federal service with the U.S. Customs Service, later transitioning to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). he rose to the role of Senior Deputy General Counsel, where he played a pivotal role in shaping international trade agreements, including negotiations during the Tokyo Round and Uruguay Round.

During the 1980s, Mike also served as Chairman of the Interagency Trade Legislation Task Force, leading efforts to coordinate trade policy across federal agencies. His leadership in international trade extended beyond government service—he was a member of the American Bar Association's International Trade Steering Committee.

In 1991, he transitioned to private practice, representing clients before the United States Court of International Trade and advising on global trade disputes. Throughout his long career, Mike took time to author and co-author many papers on international trade, contributing his knowledge and expertise to the field and shaping discussions on global trade policy; and served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he mentored future generations of trade and policy experts.

Following a cancer diagnosis , Mike remained deeply committed to his work. He returned to his early passion for labor negotiations, joining the D.C. Government’s Office of Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining in 2014, where he worked tirelessly until his retirement in 2024.

A career highlight came on November 2, 2015, when Mike was sworn into the Supreme Court Bar sponsored by the Native American Bar Association of DC in recognition of his work supporting Native American Tribes. This honor reflected his lifelong dedication to fairness, advocacy, and the empowerment of Indigenous communities around the world.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike will be remembered for his sharp mind, unwavering sense of humor, and deep love for his family. Charles Michael "Mike" Hathaway lived a life of service, intellect, and quiet strength, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife Zoe, sons Alexander and Ryan, brother Robert, and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on March 15, at Murphy Funeral Homes in Arlington, Virginia; family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of his life. Flowers can be received by the funeral home, and otherwise donations can be made to the Cherokee Nation Foundation to support access to educational opportunities for members of the Cherokee Nation.