Overview

As domestic dependent nations with sovereign authority over their members and territories, Indian tribes are generally immune from claims in state and federal courts. Consequently, most Indian tribes have established tribal courts that allow for litigation involving Indian tribes, tribal members, and disputes arising on tribal lands.

Experience

Our attorneys have successfully defended Indian tribal entities in federal court, and have extensive experience litigating a variety of disputes in tribal courts, such as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation. These cases include personal injury/wrongful death, employment, and civil rights.

In addition to taking several cases to verdict, our attorneys also boast multiple appearances and victories in tribal appellate courts, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Court of Appeals. While our primary experience has involved practice in the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Court, our attorneys are also admitted in other tribal courts, such as the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. We remain willing to obtain admission to practice in other tribal courts, as may be required, to handle cases involving other tribal entities/matters.