Frequently engaged by tribal governments, the Native American practice at Akin is highly regarded for advising on water rights, lobbying Congress for Native American programs, and negotiating settlements. Recently, the group represented a tribal client in securing federal funding for replacing a ‘Bureau of Indian Education’ school. Leading the group is Donald R Pongrace, whose expertise includes land and water rights and development projects, alongside having experience representing clients in negotiations and before federal agencies and the US Congress. For economic development matters, Jason Hauter is a key contact with experience in tribal business entity formation and tribal tax development. Katie Brossy is another key member of the team, regularly engaged in education issues, water transactions, and securing water resources. In California, Jenny Patten Magallanes is well-versed in tribal sovereignty issues. The team is based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Katie Brossy is very professional and responsive, leading to successful results.'
- 'Brette Peña is great at trial and deposition preparation, and legal writing.'
- 'The team is comprised of experts in complex federal Indian law, experienced litigators, and effective connectors.'
- 'Merrill Godfrey is a fantastic litigator.'
Key clients
- Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
- Gila River Indian Community
- Gila River Indian Community (Solar Covered Canals)
- Gila River Indian Community (Department of Transportation Grant)
- Gila River Indian Community (Colorado River negotiations)
- Pechanga Band of Indians
- Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
- Gila River Indian Community (Upper Gila River Litigation)
- Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Work highlights
Retained by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to draft and negotiate leases under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
Advising the Gila River Indian Community on drafting and negotiating several key Section 105(l) leases between the Community and the United States government.
Advising the Pechanga Band on acquiring increased water supply access to support development on their tribally owned land.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Don Pongrace
Other key lawyers
Jason Hauter; Katie Brossy; Jenny Patten Magallanes; Brette Peña; Merrill Godfrey