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Oklahoma Tribal Law Attorney | Sovereign Immunity & Gaming Counsel

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Insight from the Bench. Advocacy for the Nation.

Navigating the intersection of federal, state, and tribal jurisdiction requires deep experience. Led by a sitting Tribal Supreme Court Justice, we don't just understand the law—we help shape it.

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Why General Practitioners Fail in Indian Country

State court lawyers often view Tribal Law as a "niche" add-on. They draft contracts that accidentally waive sovereign immunity or file motions that ignore tribal civil procedure. These mistakes threaten the sovereignty of the Nation.

D. Colby Addison sits on the bench. He sees the arguments that win and the errors that lose. We bring that judicial perspective to your counsel table.

Protecting The Shield

Sovereign Immunity is your most valuable asset. We meticulously review every agreement to prevent inadvertent waivers.

  • Construction & Vendor Contracts
  • Tort Claims Defense
  • Federal Funding Agreements
  • Tribal-State Compacts

Comprehensive Tribal Representation

We represent Tribal Governments, Enterprises, and Housing Authorities across the 10th Circuit.

Sovereignty Defense →

Defending tribal immunity in litigation and structuring contracts that protect inherent powers.

Economic Development →

Structuring business entities (Section 17 corps, LLCs) to shield assets and drive growth.

Federal Litigation →

Defending treaty rights, land-into-trust acquisitions, and jurisdictional battles.

Gaming Law →

General counsel for casinos and commissions. NIGC compliance and tort claims defense.

The Economic Engine: Gaming

Casinos are often the primary source of revenue for the Nation. Regulatory compliance is not optional. We act as General Counsel for casinos and commissions.

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Relevant Insight: 10th Circuit Ruling

Read our deep dive into how recent federal decisions are shaping tribal civil jurisdiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, no. As sovereign nations, tribes possess immunity from suit unless unequivocally waived by the tribe or abrogated by Congress. However, 'Ex parte Young' suits against tribal officials are a growing threat that requires skilled defense.
The McGirt decision reaffirmed reservation boundaries for criminal jurisdiction, but it has significant implications for taxation and civil regulation. If you operate within Indian Country, you may be subject to tribal, rather than state, regulatory authority.
To do business, tribes often must agree to be sued in limited circumstances (e.g., up to the amount of an insurance policy). We draft these waivers carefully to ensure they do not expose the tribe's general treasury or assets to liability.
Ex Parte Young is a legal doctrine that allows suits against tribal officials (not the tribe itself) for 'ongoing violations' of federal law. Plaintiffs use it to circumvent sovereign immunity. Defense requires demonstrating that the suit is really against the tribe, that the relief sought would impact tribal treasury, or that exhaustion of tribal remedies is required first.
The Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) expanded tribal criminal jurisdiction. TLOA allows enhanced sentencing up to 3 years per offense. VAWA restored tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians for domestic violence, dating violence, and violations of protection orders. We help tribes implement these authorities.
Public Law 280 transferred federal criminal jurisdiction to certain states over Indian Country. Oklahoma is not a PL 280 state—criminal jurisdiction in Oklahoma's Indian Country remains federal (for major crimes) and tribal. However, understanding PL 280 is critical for multi-state tribal operations.

Tribal Law Insights

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Tribal Law

McGirt Explained: Why Some Oklahoma Tribes Have Reservations and Others Don't

The Supreme Court confirmed the Muscogee reservation was never disestablished. But what does that mean? And why doesn't it apply to every tribe in Oklahoma?

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Tribal Law

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA): The Federal Framework Explained

Passed in 1988, IGRA created the modern tribal gaming industry. Understand the three classes of gaming, the role of the NIGC, and why Compacts matter.

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Tribal Law

The General Welfare Exclusion Act: How Tribal Benefits Became Tax-Free—And What Members Should Know

The General Welfare Exclusion Act confirms that certain tribal government payments to members are not taxable income. Learn what qualifies and what doesn't.

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Secure Your Nation's Future.

We are ready to stand with you in federal, state, and tribal courts.

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