Native American Law Lawyers and Attorneys

Attorneys in this category work on matters involving tribes, tribal members and Indian country: tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction, tribal court practice and civil regulatory authority, the Indian Child Welfare Act, gaming regulation, land into trust applications, treaty and water rights, tribal business and economic development, and disputes with federal, state and local governments.

Jurisdiction is the first question in almost every matter: whether a case belongs in tribal, state or federal court often depends on who the parties are and where the events happened, and it decides everything that follows.

Before you hire

• Ask about admission to and experience in the specific tribal court involved. Each nation has its own code and procedure.
• For businesses contracting with tribal entities, address sovereign immunity and dispute resolution expressly in the agreement.
• In child welfare matters, raise ICWA at the earliest hearing — it changes placement standards and notice requirements.

Government and administrative law, family law and business law cover related questions.