Headed by Graydon Luthey Jr, Trent Shores, and GableGotwals in Tulsa, the Native American & Gaming Law team at GableGotwals handles a diverse range of matters, including gaming issues, governmental relations, and water rights.

Dentons’ Native American Law group continues to act on complex, contentious, and regulatory matters, advising both tribes and federal government offices, including the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The team specializes in gaming projects, tribal recognition, and handling water issues. Chairing the practice is Heather Sibbison, who is well-versed in Native American land issues, particularly involving settlement issues, trust acquisitions, and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Stephanie Sfiridis is another key contact who is frequently engaged in gaming issues, with particular strength in advising around the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Samuel Daughety is a notable name in water rights and water settlement issues. In Honolulu, Catelin Aiwohi has experience advocating in matters relating to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian issues. Maurisa Bell frequently supports land claims, and Rose Petoskey advises on land development. The team regularly provides pro-bono work for tribes. Lawyers are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise stated. Jeffry Butler retired in March 2025.

Lippes Mathias Native American law practice team continue to provide legal and strategic advice to Native American tribal governments on a range of sovereignty, economic, and self-determination matters. The team are experienced in handling adverse federal and state actions such as illegal state taxation, regulation, and exercise of jurisdiction. Based in the Washington D.C. office, practice co-leadBryan Shade brings a wealth of experience having served as an attorney for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior, as well as advising the BIA on how CARES and ARP funds where being distributed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Alongside Shade from the Washington D.C. office is Klint Cowan, an accomplished Native American law attorney and current serving justice for the Wyandotte Nation. Cowan has worked with tribal entities to procure financing for gaming facilities and related developments, and has provided representation before the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Office of Indian Gaming.

With experience acting before the Supreme Court, appellate, and trial courts, the team at WilmerHale fields another active year, remaining active in energy, land acquisition, water rights, and sovereignty matters. Alongside this, the group specializes in managing tribal internal investigations, including handling cases of alleged financial impropriety and leadership conduct. Other work frequently undertaken by the practice includes supporting clients in navigating public policy and regulatory issues, often including providing lobbying support. Seth Waxman co-chairs the Native American Law practice, where he has extensive experience in appellate and Supreme Court litigation. Tommy Beaudreau chairs alongside him, with expertise spanning permitting issues, environmental matters, and water rights. For regulatory advice pertaining to federal, state, and local governments, Daniel Volchok is a key name. In Denver, Ken Salazar, who rejoined the firm in June 2025, is well-versed in handling environmental conflicts. Also, a notable name in environmental justice is Laura Powell, who also specializes in patent appeals involving technology. All individual lawyers are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Frequently engaged by tribal governments, the Native American practice at Akin is highly regarded for advising on water rights, lobbying Congress for Native American programs, and negotiating settlements. Recently, the group represented a tribal client in securing federal funding for replacing a ‘Bureau of Indian Education’ school. Leading the group is Donald R Pongrace, whose expertise includes land and water rights and development projects, alongside having experience representing clients in negotiations and before federal agencies and the US Congress. For economic development matters, Jason Hauter is a key contact with experience in tribal business entity formation and tribal tax development. Katie Brossy is another key member of the team, regularly engaged in education issues, water transactions, and securing water resources. In California, Jenny Patten Magallanes is well-versed in tribal sovereignty issues. The team is based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

With particular strength in gaming and commerce, the Gaming and Native American Law team at Dykema Gossett PLLC is regularly engaged by tribes and related development and management partners. The group is also regarded for its work in petitioning for federal acknowledgment, negotiation of financing agreements, and land-to-trust agreements. Lance Boldrey specializes in negotiating tribal-state gaming compacts; additionally, he has experience acting before federal and state courts for gaming matters at the tribal and appellate level. Boldrey heads the team alongside Jason Hanselman, who is a key contact for tribes and businesses establishing gaming facilities. In Bloomfield Hills, Courtney Kissel routinely advises on tribal trust and reservation land issues. For legislative matters, Steven Liedel is a key contact. Rounding out the team is Hannah Buzolits, who is well-versed in energy matters. All lawyers mentioned are based in Lansing, Michigan unless otherwise stated.

Adept at handling a range of financing issues, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe‘s Native American Law practice group represents borrowers and lenders in a variety of transactions. Recent work for the team includes advising the Catawba Nation and its subsidiary Catawba Nation Gaming Authority on a new casino financing package. In Portland, Townsend Hyatt advises on a diverse range of projects in the space, including financings for land acquisitions, cultural centers, and infrastructure developments. Hyatt leads the team alongside San Francisco’s David Lin, who is well-versed in financing tribal casinos. In Los Angeles, Ramon Galvan is a notable name for financing new casino construction projects and expansions. Working alongside Galvan in LA is Criselda Haro Sandoval, who has experience handling mergers and acquisitions.

Van Ness Feldman LLP‘s Native American affairs team is well-versed in providing regulatory advice and leading as counsel in litigation matters, with specialist experience advising Alaskan tribal governments and owned businesses. Alongside this, the group has extensive experience in energy project development, where it represents midstream natural gas and oil companies, as well as a tribally owned and operated hydropower facility. Andrew VanderJack is regarded for his experience in public lands, natural resources, and wider federal law regarding Native American interests. He leads the team alongside Laura Jones, who is a key contact for regulatory compliance matters, as well as being well-versed in advising on commercial lending and land use. Supporting tribal clients through litigation is Patrick Daugherty, who has experience in managing class action suits. Melinda Meade Meyers undertakes a range of lobbying and policy issues. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC.