Unparalleled depth of experience in tribal matters
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck’s Indian Law practice is based upon an understanding and appreciation of the unique issues that can arise when doing business on Indian lands. Being an industry leader in water rights, natural resources, public lands, real estate, energy, environment, gaming and government relations, Brownstein has the skill and experience required to solve any challenge faced in the complex field of Indian Law and transactions involving Indian lands and tribes.
Our expertise comes from resolving the real world challenges and situations faced by doing business in Indian country. Brownstein’s Indian Law practice encompasses a broad range of services, including transactional matters, and administrative and judicial proceedings concerning land leases, water purchases, timber sales, alternative energy, electric transmission lines, water project permitting, ski area permitting, hydroelectric power projects, land exchanges, protective designations, right-of-way and utility agreements, tribal sovereignty issues, land-use planning and taxes.
Industry-leading experience
Our Indian Law Group has an understanding and appreciation of the unique sovereignty of Tribal nations, and the complex jurisdictional, regulatory and contractual issues that underpin this sovereignty. Indian Law matters often require dealings with executive branch officials, legislatures and government agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). We understand the political, economic and social ramifications of federal and state governmental actions in Indian country and on Indian Tribes and apply that knowledge to our work for and with Tribes.
Our experience ranges from working on particular decisions and opinions that impact specific Tribes to measures that have broad application for Indian gaming. For example, we have assisted in the development of "restored lands" opinions, routinely advising the Bureau of Indian Affairs on the requisite National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) activities necessary for moving particular land into trust determinations. Similarly, our attorneys have served as both policymakers and negotiators in compact review and approval. On a broader scale, we have served as agency counsel providing key interpretations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) to the Secretary of the Interior, and have played key roles in finalizing regulatory proposals regarding Section 20 of IGRA. We regularly interact with the Department of Justice on a host of litigation matters related to IGRA and the Indian Reorganization Act, including Carcieri, and work closely with the NIGC on a variety of policy and litigation matters.
Services
Government and policy experience. Our firm includes former government lawyers and high-level policy advisors whose backgrounds are beneficial to our regular interactions with state legislatures and Congress. We are also experienced in drafting Tribal legislation.
Hands-on experience in state and federal courts. Our group includes lawyers with multiple state bar certifications. We have litigated matters throughout the Western United States, and from Alaska to Florida, including litigation involving Indian Law issues in the federal courts.
|