Native American Tribes and Organizations

The history of Northwest culture is bound with that of the region's Native American tribes. Miller Nash's lawyers are proud to provide legal counsel and guidance to many Northwest tribes on a broad range of issues affecting tribes and their interests. We have the extensive experience and understanding to address the complex and sophisticated legal needs of tribal governments, organizations, and enterprises.

The depth and breadth of our knowledge comes from having worked on numerous tribal matters. Miller Nash provides a comprehensive array of services in support of tribal organizations, including gaming and regulatory matters, economic development and financing, legislative issues, taxation, real estate, the environment and natural resources, telecommunications and energy, litigation, intellectual property, and labor and employment. Specific areas in which our firm has provided counsel to Northwest tribal clients include:

Gaming

• Negotiating gaming compacts
• Representation and advocacy before the Washington State Gambling Commission
• Handling proceedings and negotiations with the National Indian Gaming Commission
• Drafting and lobbying related to gaming legislation
• Financing casino builds, expansions, and resort properties

Economic Development

• Negotiating fuel, liquor, and cigarette compacts
• Accessing capital through traditional bank financing, taxable and tax-exempt bond financing, federally guaranteed loans, and other financing mechanisms
• Evaluating state and federal tax issues and resolution of tax disputes
• Pursuing real estate and leasing transactions involving trust and fee lands and the fee-to-trust application process
• Establishing telecommunications and energy facilities on tribal lands

Tribal Governments and Government Relations

• Organization and preparation of tribal constitutions, codes, and other infrastructure
• Evaluating employment and labor issues, drafting employee handbooks, manuals, and policies, and training
• Defending tribal employers in tribal and federal court
• Drafting legislation, lobbying, and advocacy before state and federal legislators and agencies
• Negotiating agreements and licensing issues with the Washington State Gambling Commission, Liquor Control Board, Department of Licensing, and other state agencies
• Negotiating agreements with local jurisdictions, including addressing land use and environmental approvals and processes
• Implementing tribal healthcare systems and establishing tribal health clinics
• Advising tribal charitable organizations and programs

Commercial Transactions and Disputes

• Contracting and negotiating tribal business relationships with vendors
• Protecting tribal sovereignty while resolving disputes through mediation, arbitration, and litigation in tribal and nontribal courts
• Helping tribes to guard their heritage and commercial interests through protection of intellectual property and maintaining portfolios

Practice Area Leader(s)
Christine M. Masse

10/27/08 - Court Orders Spokane Tribal Casino to Comply With Federal Overtime Law

07/08/08 - A Long Way to Go: Supreme Court Holds Tribal Court Lacks Jurisdiction to Regulate the Sale of Fee Land

02/15/07 - Appeals Court Endorses NLRB Power to Regulate Labor Relations of Tribal Casinos

09/01/03 - Proposed Amendments to the Homeland Security Act Giving Tribal Governments More Authority Face Uphill Battle in Congress

09/01/03 - Proposed Amendments to the Homeland Security Act

02/01/03 - Making part-day deductions from leave banks of exempt Washington employees? Better do it right!

Other Practice Areas