The Firm is dedicated to the support and strengthening of tribal sovereignty by assisting tribes to gain federal recognition and providing advice to federally-recognized tribes in the creation and maintenance of governmental institutions, including a system of laws and a court system, and by defending tribal sovereign immunity. This representation is particularly important in the face of increasing pressure from states to have more power over tribal lands. Tribal sovereignty is a major issue in gaming and other economic development programs.

CONTACT:
Jerry Straus, S. Bobo Dean, Hans Walker, Jr., Michael Roy,
Geoff Strommer, William Norman, Jr.

Achievements and Actions

• Advised and advocated on the applicability to a tribe of federal laws governing employment and workers such as OSHA and FLSA

• Filed amicus brief before the National Labor Relations Board on applicability of NLRA (union laws) to tribal organizations

• Successfully established that the Seminole Tribe was immune from a gaming lawsuit filed by the State of Florida

• Successfully advocated for the federal acknowledgment of the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut

• Provided several opinions on tribal immunity and court jurisdiction and advised on the appropriate remedies in commercial transactions

• Filed amicus briefs in several court cases arguing for the protection of tribal immunity and sovereignty

• Established the right of the Native Village of Barrow to exercise exclusive jurisdiction under the Indian Child Welfare Act in Alaska

Typical Assignments

• Advise on issues involving the waiver of tribal sovereign immunity -- whether it has been waived, when it can be done, and how it can be done effectively.

• Provide opinions on whether a federal, state, or tribal court has jurisdiction over a tribe or its lands, and advise on establishing or countering that jurisdiction

• Advise on the Indian Civil Rights Act as applied to tribes and tribal members and on the necessary process due from a tribe

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