Federal Indian & Tribal Law

    •  
Our Federal Indian & Tribal Law practice provides culturally informed, full-service counsel to Tribal nations, Native-owned enterprises, and non-Native entities engaging with tribes.

Overview

We understand that Tribal sovereignty, self-governance, and self-determination are essential to the prosperity and advancement of Native communities. Our cross-practice team, which includes lawyers who are enrolled Tribal members as well as specialists with experience in navigating legal issues affecting Tribes and their lands, deliver comprehensive legal guidance tailored to your needs. We combine our experience in corporate transactions, finance, energy, environmental law, real estate, land development, healthcare, tax, government contracting, and intellectual property to craft pragmatic solutions that center on protecting and advancing a Tribe’s inherent sovereignty and improving the quality of life for Native communities.

Whether you are structuring a Tribal economic development project, managing a jurisdictional dispute on Tribal land, or ensuring regulatory compliance for a complex venture, we stand ready to support your objectives with both legal acumen and genuine cultural insight.

Our lawyers understand that each Tribal community has its own distinct laws, histories, and values. By bridging legal and cultural perspectives, we help non-Native partners appreciate the intricacies of Tribal legal frameworks and empower Tribal clients to navigate outside systems with confidence and clarity.

Areas of Focus

Business and Economic Development

We understand the essential link between a Tribe's economic prosperity and the ability to support Tribal citizens' quality of life. Our team guides Tribal enterprises, and their partners, through business formation, corporate governance, joint venture arrangements, franchise agreements, and financing strategies. We can assist in launching Native startups, securing investment through federal programs and incentives, and negotiating partnerships that drive sustainable economic growth, whether in technology, energy, hospitality, gaming, or other industries.

Real Estate, Land Use, Permitting, and Infrastructure

We handle a variety of real estate matters including land acquisitions, dispositions, leases, and development projects on and off Tribal lands. Our experience extends to infrastructure build-outs, development projects, advice on fee to trust transfers, and compliance with land use regulations, all while protecting Tribal property rights and supporting future land stewardship.

Government Contracts

We provide guidance and advocacy for Tribal entities and Alaska Native Corporations for all aspects of navigating contracts with public entities, from compliance with Federal regulations and small business regulations to contract disputes and claims, including bid protests and size protests. Our experience includes assisting in the formation of small business joint ventures as well as disputes between joint venture partners.

Natural Resources and Environmental

Our Natural Resources and Environmental practice assists Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations in managing water, fishing, hunting, forestry, and mining rights, as well as energy development. Our team's understanding of environmental regulatory frameworks, including NEPA and EPA regulations as well as state and local regulations, enables us to support Tribal renewable energy projects and conservation efforts as well as development projects of all types.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Our litigators are adept at handling the complexities of concurrent jurisdiction and sovereign remedies, always with an eye toward securing outcomes that protect your interests and promote long-term partnerships.

Alcohol

Our team brings deep experience in licensing, permitting, and regulatory compliance; distribution and retail strategies; contract brewing, distilling, and custom crush agreements; and alternating proprietorships. We advise on marketing, social media, and trade practice compliance, as well as direct-from-farm sourcing relationships. We help clients develop and protect their brands, integrate technology, manage human resources, and navigate tied-house laws. Whether resolving complex disputes or leading transformative mergers and acquisitions, we understand the unique legal and cultural considerations in Tribal contexts and deliver solutions that help businesses thrive.

Cannabis

From employment to land use, banking to taxation, cannabis and cannabis-adjacent issues can touch our clients' businesses across multiple disciplines. We leverage our industry knowledge to provide full-spectrum representation to clients on state, federal, and regulatory matters.

Tribal Governance and Sovereignty

We advise on Tribal constitutional and code development, treaty rights, and government-to-government relations with federal, state, and local authorities. Our counsel facilitates intergovernmental agreements, addresses jurisdictional questions, and supports self-governance compacts to ensure Tribal authority is both asserted and respected.
DWT remains at the forefront of evolving legal and policy developments. Our team of recognized Indian law leaders are committed to protecting Tribal sovereignty, growing Native economies, and facilitating partnerships between Native and non-Native organizations. We are prepared to assist you with securing sustainable legal and economic outcomes that honor tradition and deliver practical results.
Your search returned no results. Please try another search or remove search criteria.

Industry Contacts

Graham, Clayton
Clayton P. Graham
Partner
Co-chair, Real Property Practice Group
Seattle
206.757.8052
Tavella, Marie Anne
Anne Marie Tavella
Partner
Chair, Office DEI Committee (Anchorage)
Anchorage
907.257.5345
Roberts, Jessica
Jessica Peyton Roberts
Associate
Seattle
206.757.8375

Our Team

Your search returned no results. Please try another search or remove search criteria.

Contact Us

Ready to tackle your next challenge, or simply have questions? Let's talk. Our team is ready to help you navigate complexity with clarity, confidence, and results.

Federal Indian and Tribal Law Contact Form