Representing Indian Tribes and Other Entities With Regard to Land, Water Rights and Other On-Reservation and Off-Reservation Matters

Osborn Maledon lawyers have substantial experience representing Indian tribes with regard to on-reservation and off-reservation issues. While our practice encompasses traditional legal matters such as business transactions, real estate transactions, regulatory compliance and litigation, it is also increasingly involving matters pertaining to water rights and intergovernmental relations. We are proud to play an integral role in ensuring that our clients’ legal rights are secure.

Through our long-standing relationships with many Indian tribes in Arizona, we have developed a thorough understanding of the unique issues that tribes and other entities face when dealing with legal matters involving or arising on native lands. Examples of our relevant experience include:

  • Representing a northern Arizona tribe in a water rights adjudication and related settlement talks, and in on-reservation and off-reservation real estate matters, including fee-to-trust takings of more than 160,000 acres, natural resource development and protection, economic development, and intergovernmental relationships
  • Representing a central Arizona tribe regarding gaming, on-reservation ground leasing and real estate development
  • Representing a central Arizona tribe in the landmark case establishing Arizona tribes’ right to engage in gaming and casino development
  • Representing Arizonans for Fair Gaming and Indian Self Reliance, which was instrumental in voter approval of Proposition 202, the 17-tribe initiative that established Arizona’s gaming compacts
  • Representing a central Arizona tribe in environmental litigation and commercial disputes
  • Representing various tribes in litigation, administrative proceedings and appeals concerning gaming, trust lands and preserving natural resources

Our lawyers also conduct internal investigations for many Indian tribes. From advising on business and employment matters to helping tribal leaders preserve and acquire essential land and water rights, we are often in communication with our clients on a daily basis.

We have significant experience representing non-Indian companies in matters involving Indian tribes and on-reservation activities as well. This includes business and real estate matters, among others. Indian law presents many unique and unfamiliar issues for non-Indian entities, and making informed decisions requires the advice and representation of experienced legal counsel.