Indian Law ATTORNEYS
For more than two decades Ater Wynne has been providing legal services to Indian tribes and tribal enterprises throughout the United States. Our work emphasizes various aspects of tribal economic development and governance, including project finance, land acquisition and leasing, energy development, casino/hotel projects, taxation, infrastructure development (water, sewer and communications systems), housing, and recreational and healthcare facilities. Our extensive experience has given us a broad understanding of federal Indian law and an appreciation of the unique aspects of doing business in Indian Country. Our expertise includes:
- Casino development
- Contracts/construction
- Economic development
- Employment
- Energy and transmission projects, including renewables
- Environmental/water rights
- Gaming regulation
- Housing
- International law
- Land use
- Licensing and trademarks
- Litigation
- Project finance
- Real estate/fee-to-trust
- State-tribal compacts
- Taxation/ERISA
- Telecommunications
- Treaty rights
- Tribal governance
Ater Wynne works with public and private partners in major joint ventures, assisting with financing, international trade, construction, regulatory and governmental affairs. We bring added value to our regional, national, and international clients through our industry knowledge, contacts, and Pacific Rim presence.
A representative sampling of projects includes
- Advising a Southwest tribe on taxation issues and IRS audit
- Assisting several Northwest tribes in the planning, financing, construction and leasing of tribal casinos
- Acting as project counsel for a Southwest tribe on all aspects of developing major fossil fuel and renewable electric power generation and transmission facilities
- Advising a Northwest tribe on amendments to state gaming compacts and on formulation of vendor/consultant contracts
- Advising West Coast tribes on fee-to-trust applications, gaming regulatory, environmental and water rights issues
- Representing several Northwest tribes in litigation involving employment, sovereign immunity, construction contracts land use and fishing rights
- Serving as member of National Indian Gaming Commission advisory committee on environmental, public health and safety issues affecting tribal casinos
- Serving as lead counsel on the first major international container port facility and light rail/economic development projects in Washington and Oregon
Representative Clients
- Diné Power Authority of the Navajo Nation
- North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians
- Puyallup Tribe and
- Marine View Ventures
- Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
- Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians
- Oregon tribes and tribal economic development entities
- Tyonek Native Corporation
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory