Based in Washington DC, the team at Dentons maintains an excellent track record acting for tribes in a wide range of high stakes matters across sovereignty issues, land acquisitions, and tribal gaming. Under the leadership of Heather Sibbison, the practice works closely with the firms wider litigation and government affairs group, and is highlighted for its dispute resolution expertise, particularly against federal governments for tribal clients. The group also advises on reservation issues and handles a number of pro-bono cases for economically disadvantaged tribes. Core members of the group include counsel George Skibine who is the key name for matters related to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, including gaming compacts and gaming on newly acquired lands. Also recommended is Samuel Daughety whose wide practice also includes environmental issues for clients — water settlement issues and economic development projects are a particular area of focus. On land and trust issues, counsel Suzanne Schaeffer is a key contact. Associate Rose Petoskey left the team for a position at the US Department of the Interior.

The practice at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is singled out for its strong financing expertise and is the go-to firm for lending work for tribal government and businesses. The team represents various tribes in high-value financings for tribal projects and programs, and is managed by Townsend Hyatt in Portland. The group has a proven track record spanning over two decades in tribal financing matters, particularly in the gaming industry — banking partner David Lin who is based between San Francisco and Los Angeles handles casino gaming work. San Francisco-based Thomas Mitchell and Zachary Finley are also experienced banking partners recommended in this area. Also based in Los Angeles, senior associate Ramon Galvan advises leading banks on Indian tribal financings pertaining to the construction of large casino projects and expansions.

Van Ness Feldman LLP has long-standing strength in energy project development matters, particularly across midstream oil and gas for Indian tribes and Alaska Natives. The team provides comprehensive regulatory and litigation support to tribal governments and corporations, and is jointly managed by Andrew Vanderjack  in Washington DC and Maranda Compton in Denver. Economic development and environmental issues remain core areas of focus for the group and recommended contacts include DC-based Robert Conrad and Michael Goodstein. Laura Jones in Denver has experience advising tribal and non-tribal businesses on land use issues. On the West Coast, Patrick Daugherty in California handles complex civil litigation for native tribes and is singled out for tribal economic development. He also has an active pro-bono practice for American Indian communities.

WilmerHale maintains an excellent market reputation and is highlighted for its strength in regulatory matters and complex litigation, backed by its Supreme Court litigation group. The team represents tribal governments and nations on land-into-trust, sovereign immunity issues, and jurisdictional matters with Danielle Spinelli in Washington DC is a key name, securing several victories for tribal clients. Now under the leadership of Seth Waxman, the group handles tribal self-determination matters, commercial disputes across the water, land and natural resources area, and gaming issues, holding the National Indian Gaming Commission as a key client, with Kevin Lamb particularly active. On the litigation and policy issues, Christopher Babbitt advises on high-stakes litigation matters and on economic aid for Indian tribes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group faced two departures; former co-chair of the group Ken Salazar was appointed by the United States Senate as Ambassador to Mexico, and Michael Connor is now Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has great experience in acting for tribes, and is overseen by Donald R Pongrace  in Washington, DC. An experienced group of practitioners who previously served in federal agencies including the Interior Department and the National Indian Gaming Commission, the team advises tribal governments on sovereignty issues, economic development, and has a specialism in land and water rights settlements. Allison Binney, who previously served as chief counsel to the U.S Senate Committe on Indian Affairs is the key contact for defending tribal government before tribal courts and federal agencies on land, tax, and gaming matters. Senior counsel Katie Brossy  is also recommended, as is Merrill Godfrey, who handles high-stakes litigation for Indian tribes across the United States. The practice also focuses on assisting tribal clients on diversifying their business away from casinos to renewable energy projects and accessing emerging markets in South America. For economic issues, Jason Hauter is the name for development on American Indian lands, particularly water resource and management. Brette Pena joined the group from the U.S District Court- Oklahoma Northern Circuit.

The Denver-based practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP has strength in tribal sovereignty issues, economic development, and contentious energy and environmental litigation between tribes and state governments. Environmental and natural resources issues for tribes is a core area of focus. Jointly led by Troy Eid and Jennifer Weddle, the team has extensive experience acting in large environmental related disputes before tribal and federal courts and has been involved in securing various COVID-19 related federal funding for tribes in Indian Country. The group also has an established gaming group where senior associate Kyle Montour is the key name — he also serves as an Associate Judge on the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Court of Appeals. On the financing side, Andrew Rubin assists tribal governments on redevelopment projects and transactional matters.