Indian Law

Indian law is complex, with numerous federal statutes dealing with Indian rights and governance. Dickinson Wright has extensive experience and knowledge of Indian law through our team’s work with Indian tribes throughout the country. We also provide counsel to local governments and private companies in their business dealings with tribes.

Our team’s goal is to develop projects that fully comply with applicable laws and regulations while ensuring economic integrity. Our tribal clients frequently seek assistance in resolving problems with both federal and local government agencies, and we always strive to do so quickly and economically.

Some of the Indian law practice’s areas of expertise include:

• General representation of tribes, including: securing status clarification for non-recognized tribes; developing tribal constitutions, bylaws and ordinances and assisting with land claims. 

• Protection of tribal trust resources and the environment, including matters related to claims and title; water rights and fishing, hunting and gathering rights and cultural resource protection.

• Assistance with all phases of tribal gaming and development of other business structures.