Dentons’ Native American Law group continues to act on complex, contentious, and regulatory matters, advising both tribes and federal government offices, including the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The team specializes in gaming projects, tribal recognition, and handling water issues. Chairing the practice is Heather Sibbison, who is well-versed in Native American land issues, particularly involving settlement issues, trust acquisitions, and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Stephanie Sfiridis is another key contact who is frequently engaged in gaming issues, with particular strength in advising around the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Samuel Daughety is a notable name in water rights and water settlement issues. In Honolulu, Catelin Aiwohi has experience advocating in matters relating to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian issues. Maurisa Bell frequently supports land claims, and Rose Petoskey advises on land development. The team regularly provides pro-bono work for tribes. Lawyers are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise stated. Jeffry Butler retired in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Heather Sibbison and Rose Petoskey provide detailed information to the Tribe, and they both know our details and what is important to us.’
- ‘Heather Sibbison and Susi Schaeffer offer a unique and profoundly valuable combination of legal, regulatory, policy, and political insight and access across multiple subject matter and issue topics impacting Indian Country and those leading or interacting with tribal governments and enterprises.’
- ‘Samuel Daughety and Catelin Aiwohi are excellent partners. They are smart and easy to work with.’
- ‘Dentons goes above and beyond. I know that when I come to this team with a problem, they will not just advise me of immediate issues, but have a knack for thinking of long-term impacts and creative solutions.'
- 'They are my go-to firm for any tribal issues that arise for us.’
- ‘Stephanie Sfiridis, in particular, has a wealth of knowledge and experience and understands the unique issues facing tribal communities. She has gone above and beyond to assist our tribe and understand the sensitive cultural complexities of working with tribes. On top of that, she can explain legal issues succinctly to our members.'
Work highlights
Providing advice to Marnell Gaming LLC / Eklutna Native Village to navigate the complicated legal framework necessary to open the first tribal casino in Alaska.
Providing adviceto Prairie Island Indian Community to navigate the complicated legal framework to place land in trust status and secure difficult-to-obtain federal approvals to allow tribal gaming to take place there.
Providing the Lumbee Tribe with legal work and federal advocacy work to secure passage of legislation to provide formal recognition to a large tribe that was “terminated” in the 1950s; the House of Representatives has passed the bill, and the Senate will soon do the same.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Samuel Daughety
Practice head
Heather Sibbison
Other key lawyers
Stephanie Sfiridis; Samuel Daughety; Catelin Aiwohi; Maurisa Bell; Rose Petoskey