Indian and Tribal Practice

Our Indian Law practice has earned recognition from Best Law Firms (published by U.S. News & World Report/Best Lawyers) and from London-based Chambers and Partners, which researches and ranks law firms worldwide, in over 185 jurisdictions.

In its commentary, Chambers acknowledges Sacks Tierney’s Native American Law practice as “highly regarded for its broad coverage representing tribes, tribal agencies and tribal enterprises. Covers a range of Indian law matters in front of tribal, state and federal courts. Enjoys an excellent reputation for its expertise in tribal finance, sovereignty and governance, as well as voting and water rights.”

Private Sector Representation

Our strong relationships with tribal governments and knowledge of pertinent federal laws allow us to represent private-sector developers and other types of businesses in economic development efforts on tribal lands.

We have been involved in the gaming industry and the development of recreational and commercial enterprises on Arizona reservations.

Tribal Representation

Sacks Tierney’s Indian and tribal relations attorneys regularly represent tribes, tribal corporations and tribal enterprises, as well as individual Native Americans, in all aspects of Indian law.

Our tribal clients benefit from our significant expertise in such areas as:

• sovereignty and limited waivers of sovereign immunity,
• the application of federal and state tax laws to tribal activities, and
• economic development and advancement efforts being undertaken by tribes.

We also offer to tribal governments broad experience in real estate, finance, labor and employment, water and environmental, tax, bankruptcy, domestic relations, criminal and dispute resolution. In addition, we recently represented Havasupai students in a legal action over the federal government’s failure to provide basic education to Native American children.

General Counsel

Our attorneys serve as general counsel for tribal clients, providing advice on business and governmental issues. We interpret applicable law; attend and counsel at tribal council, board meetings and meetings of tribal membership; and maintain tribal enterprise books and records.

Economic Development

We have extensive involvement with and expertise in a variety of issues relating to economic development undertaken by tribes and tribal enterprises, either alone or in joint venture with an outside entity.

Taxation

Our attorneys counsel tribes and tribal corporations on the intricacies of taxation in forming and operating tribal entities, allowing them to maximize the unique benefits afforded them under federal and state law. We have represented existing tribal entities in resolving disputes with federal and state agencies relating to payment and collection of sales taxes, withholding taxes and income taxes.