hobbs straus llp brochure

Making strides in Indian Country takes a special perspective.

Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP

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Knowledge of the Past. Wisdom for the Future.At Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, our attorneys have been working to affect positive change in Indian Country

for half a century. Long before we were formed, our founders were already deeply involved in landmark cases that

would have profound impact for American Indians. These early victories won us something even more valuable —

a thorough understanding of how the legal, state, and federal systems can work for Indians. Decades of experience

working exclusively in this terrain have honed our instincts, informed our strategies, and allowed us to cultivate a

truly dazzling array of resources and contacts.

As a result, we feel we have the best of all worlds in our firm. We offer wisdom combined with innovative ideas.

We possess a solid grasp of how things work in Indian law and Indian Country with a bold vision of how they could

work. These skills in concert with our overwhelming dedication, boundless energy, and resourcefulness explain why

we have become such trusted partners to our clients.

“ There are few individuals, much less firms, that are as committed as we are personally to improving the lives of Indian people.”

william norman, Partner

“ Vibrant Alaskan and American Indian communities contribute greatly to the cultural and political fabric that makes America the great melting pot.”

geoff strommer, Partner

“ We help protect tribes’ historic rights and promote economic development on their reservations.”

jerry straus, Partner

hobbsstraus.com

tribal affairs

tribal programs & services

indian housing

gaming

economic development

natural resources

self-determination/self-governance

international indigenous rights

alaska native issues

oklahoma issues

tribal counseling & advocacy

Practice Areas Making strides in Indian Country takes a special perspective.

“ Practicing Indian law allows me to come to work each day knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of Indian people and tribal communities.”

lee shannon, Partner

“ Changing policy for the better can really accomplish something of long-term value.”

carol barbero, Partner

Knowledge of the Past. Wisdom for the Future.At Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, our attorneys have been working to affect positive change in Indian Country

for half a century. Long before we were formed, our founders were already deeply involved in landmark cases that would

have profound impact for American Indians. These early victories won us something even more valuable —

a thorough understanding of how the legal, state, and federal systems can work for Indians. Decades of experience work-

ing exclusively in this terrain have honed our instincts, informed our strategies, and allowed us to cultivate a truly dazzling

array of resources and contacts.

As a result, we feel we have the best of all worlds in our firm. We offer wisdom combined with innovative ideas. We pos-

sess a solid grasp of how things work in Indian law and Indian Country with a bold vision of how they could work. These

skills in concert with our overwhelming dedication, boundless energy, and resourcefulness explain why we have become

such trusted partners to our clients.

1970 First successful large scale restoration of historic lands to an Indian Tribe in securing restoration of the 48,000 acre sacred Blue Lake lands for the Taos Pueblo.

1970 - 1971 First contract for a tribe (the Miccosukee Tribe) to provide all Bureau of Indian Affairs services for its own members.

Our Resultsfor indian country

In the early seventies, the Quinault tribe of the Pacific Northwest watched in dismay as the United States government sold

off its valuable timber at under-market prices. The Quinault quickly got organized and mobilized. Their legal action made

it all the way to the Supreme Court where founding partner Charles Hobbs, along with Marsha Schmidt, argued and won

the precedent-setting case of United States v. Mitchell (1967-1989). The Supreme Court held that the United States must

pay damages when it mismanages Indian trust property and the Quinault were awarded $27 million in compensation. This

groundbreaking case set the foundation for the modern recognition of the federal trust responsibility.

At Hobbs Straus we handle litigation and consulting services on a wide variety of claims alleging government mismanage-

ment of Indian trust assets including coal, oil and gas, tribal funds, grazing lands, and other assets. Our longevity and

record of success in this arena is impressive. We’ve renegotiated coal leases, made oil and gas agreements joint ventures,

and included provisions for tribal employment, training, and scholarships. We come equipped with the knowledge and

resources necessary to ensure that the government adheres to the law, or pays the penalty when it does not.

placing a value on the government’s word

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1983 First legal opinion on electronically assisted Class II gaming devices for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

1988 First case re-establishing federal recognition of the authority of the Five Tribes to maintain tribal courts in eastern Oklahoma, Muscogee (Creek) Nation v. Hodel.

1995 First successful issuance of commercial bonds to finance the construction of an Indian casino for the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut.

Recovered Loss. Recovered Trust.

Opening Doors.

The Navajo Nation’s successful Shiprock School was in danger of closing its doors due to a crumbling campus. Rusty

water, unreliable heating and cooling, no gymnasium, and impossibly small classrooms were but a few of its woes. In

2000, Hobbs Straus assisted the Navajo in obtaining $26.9 million dollars in congressional funding to construct an entirely

new school. Now, Shiprock students learn in a state-of-the-art campus that boasts more than 125,000 square feet of

educational space, extensive technology, and two Navajo culture classrooms. We also won the same substantial funding

award for the Pinon Navajo Boarding School in Arizona.

Hobbs Straus attorneys are helping tribes turn the tide for chronically under-funded tribal schools. Moreover, we are

tireless advocates for legislation that improves the operation and funding for critical social service initiatives. Our strong

Washington, D.C. presence allows us to build relationships that are crucial to strengthening programs such as tribal

healthcare, education, child welfare, housing, and community building. By addressing these social needs that continue

to plague Indian tribes, we assist tribes in ending a devastating cycle of despair.

Opening Minds.

improving lives in indian country






1983 First modern recognition of the government’s liability for breach of trust by the Supreme Court in United States v. Mitchell for the Indians of the Quinault Reservation.

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In Oklahoma, like so many states, tribes that were once on the brink of extinction have made economic comebacks due to

Indian gaming. Oklahoma tribes have an added advantage thanks to the Oklahoma Model Tribal-State Gaming Compact.

This landmark legislation created a climate of legal certainty, allowing tribes to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to

finance new gaming facilities and related infrastructure, and create thousands of new jobs in the process. As lead negotia-

tors, Hobbs Straus attorneys were involved at every juncture of the legislation process, bringing together tribes, the state

of Oklahoma, horsemen, and educators to develop this historic agreement.

From the earliest days of Indian gaming, we’ve been on the scene helping draft the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA),

assisting with the first issuance of a bond to finance an Indian casino (the Mohegan Sun), and successfully arguing

Seminole Tribe of Florida v. State of Florida, the first IGRA case to reach the Supreme Court

Our vision of tribal economic development doesn’t begin and end with gaming. Our recent work includes using New Mar-

kets Tax Credits to finance a Tribal Health Clinic and RV Park. From analyzing prospective business ventures outside Indian

Country to bringing outside investors in, we help tribes to proactively seek new avenues toward economic prosperity.

accelerating economic development for tribes

Community Growth.Economic Growth.1970 First successful large scale restoration of historic lands to an Indian Tribe in securing restoration of the 48,000 acre sacred Blue Lake lands for the Taos Pueblo.



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1983 First legal opinion on electronically assisted Class II gaming devices for the Semi-nole Tribe of Florida.



Sage Advice.

In 1999, the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma reached a major turning point in its growth and development, facing

key decisions, many of which had legal ramifications that went beyond their scope of expertise. For over ten years, we

have worked side by side with Comanche decision-makers to help them navigate through a variety of legal, political, and

business issues. On any given week, we may be helping the Tribe vet business opportunities, strategize about an upcom-

ing shareholders meeting, or help formulate policy for a Gaming Commission meeting. As the Comanche Nation infra-

structure has expanded, so has our role within it.

As Tribal Counselors, we are equal parts legal advisor, political advisor, sounding board, and devil’s advocate, presenting

our clients with a clear view of the landscape they may face in realizing their plans. Taking a proactive hands-on

approach, we log hundreds of miles, nights and weekends, attending critical tribal meetings in order to perform our

role well. And, as their tribal “ears and eyes” in Washington, we can access high-level legislators early in the process

to keep our clients informed about affairs and decisions that may impact their own plans.

Sage Decisions.providing tribes with ongoing support







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proposed photo would be a shoot on the comanche reservation with william norman and a comanche tribal leader. waiting to hear back from client about the feasibility of this shot.







Safe Water.

When large corporate landowners threatened to flood tribal lands and degrade the water quality on Seminole land, the

Tribe knew they had to act quickly to legally protect their precious water supply. Hobbs Straus assisted the Seminole Tribe

of Florida in negotiating the landmark 1987 water rights compact with the State of Florida. The compact secured federal

water rights for the Tribe and marked the first time that federally protected Indian water rights were confirmed in an

Eastern state.

Without control over the natural resources they own, tribes are kept from reaping the benefit of economic opportunities

in their own backyard. Whether by negotiation, litigation, legislation, regulation, or advocacy, Hobbs Straus uses all

possible legal channels to protect and restore the vital environmental and cultural rights of our clients.

To that end, we have a thorough command of environmental safety, energy, and cultural preservation issues. Our attor-

neys, some of the nation’s foremost practitioners in these fields, have extensive experience working in federal environmen-

tal law, natural resources law, and cultural and historic preservation law. We are proud of the fact that for decades, our

firm has fought extensively and successfully to preserve the rich cultural and natural resources tribes possess.

Safe Future.

the lawful protection of tribal resources

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Tribal Control.

In 1970, while deep in negotiations with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Chairman Buffalo Tiger of the Miccosukee

Tribe of Florida made a simple request. He felt that his Tribe would be more effective at directing their own services

and proposed that the BIA contract with them rather than outside employees. For the next few years, the tenacious

Miccosukee struggled to wrest control over their own tribal programs from the BIA and Department of the Interior. Before

Hobbs Straus even existed, founding partner Bobo Dean took on the Miccosukee fight and represented the Tribe in nego-

tiating this historic contract. The Miccosukee ruling helped pave the way for the important Indian Self-Determination

and Education Assistance Act.

Helping tribes expand control over their own services is a cornerstone of our work. In Alaska, we represented tribal

health organizations in negotiating the Alaska Tribal Health Compact under which all health services for Alaska Natives

are managed by tribes. Additionally, in 2008, we won a major victory for the Susanville Indian Rancheria guaranteeing

them the right to make their own decisions on health service co-pays. We strongly believe that assisting tribes in taking

charge of their own programs is a key step toward helping them realize their sovereign rights.

Tribal Strength.forging modern indian nations

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innovative problem solversOur clients tell us they appreciate our ability

to project forward and see the consequences

their decisions may have. We give clients

insightful counsel and a range of alternatives

from which they can select the best resolution.

Litigation can have an enormous cost — in

both time and money. That’s why we actively

seek opportunities for consensus, negotiation,

and settlement. It may not always be in your

best interest to go to court, but if we do, you

will be hard pressed to find better-prepared,

more driven attorneys.

ongoing support of indian affairs We are delighted to support and further

Indian causes. To that end, we maintain a col-

lection of legal documents important to Indian

Country. We also provide internships to Indian

schoolchildren, attend conferences, and are

proud contributors to the building fund for

the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

what drives usHobbs Straus attorneys come from different

backgrounds and experiences, but we are

like-minded in our dedication to assist tribes in

strengthening their governments and improv-

ing the lives of their members. We maintain

a supportive, collegial environment with a

healthy work-life balance and a genuine

respect for all members of our team. Know-

ing that we are addressing the most critical

challenges facing today’s tribes and bringing

about meaningful change is what engages

and propels us each and every day.

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“ The field of Indian law has

been very rewarding to me—

in terms of the gratification

of helping people who need it,

and the pleasure of solving

difficult problems with talented

partners of like mind.”

charles hobbs, Partner

an unwavering commitment Our guiding principles are very clear: we only

serve clients who are working in the interest

of Indians. We do not take on cases where

a non-Indian organization is attempting to

profit at the expense of Indians and we never

represent one tribe against another.

a full service firm With the advent of gaming, some firms seek

to work solely in that practice area. At Hobbs

Straus, we’re committed to serving the full

spectrum of legal needs in Indian Country.

We have a long history of helping tribes deal

with varied legal issues from education and

healthcare to land use and tribal sovereignty.

our vantage pointOur strategic location in Washington, DC is

an ongoing benefit to our clients. It allows

our clients to have a window on Congressio-

nal activity as well as the Department of the

Interior, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Hobbs

Straus attorneys are visible and active in the

Washington community and know just about

every player with a bearing on Indian Country.

We constantly monitor and are attuned to

federal litigation and its impact. Our clients

are kept up to date on all that happens in

Washington with monthly memorandums.

strategic partnershipsWhile we offer a broad range of services

dealing with every aspect of Indian law,

we understand the wisdom of partnering

with firms who can bring their specialized

proficiencies to our clients. To that end, we

align ourselves with powerhouse firms from

other fields who share our high professional

standards.

To complement our capabilities, Hobbs

Straus recently entered into a strategic

alliance with K&L Gates LLP, the nationally

recognized bond counsel practice. K&L Gates

provides our clients with specialized insight

into federal tax and securities laws, as well as

experience in international derivative hedge

funds, investment and public-private partner-

ships. Working together with our strategic

partners, we can confidently provide the

breadth of perspective and experience re-

quired to respond to any challenge.

We have devoted our careers to representing Indian nations and their interests. Our extensive and unique experience allows us to see the challenges Indian nations face in a way few other firms can, because we understand them in the larger context of Indian law’s past, present, and future.

Making strides in Indian Country takes a special perspective.For decades, as modern Indian history has unfurled, Hobbs Straus has been an active participant. Our role in assisting tribes to understand, structure, demand, and achieve all that they are due is well documented.

We channel our own history, passion, and intellectual rigor into providing our clients with an utterly unique viewpoint—one that we hope continues to help our Indian clients shape their own histories for decades to come.

“ For forty years I have supported the concept that Indian tribes have the right to govern themselves.”

bobo dean, Partner

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

“ In the nearly forty years that I’ve been practicing Indian law, the legal issues affecting Indian people have not diminished and the demands on tribal government have increased. I come to work to help tribes and their members address those issues.”

kirke kickingbird, Of Counsel

indian law Experience, Dedication & Results

2120 L Street, NW, Suite 700Washington, DC 20037T 202.822.8282

806 SW Broadway, Suite 900Portland, OR 97205T 503.242.1745

117 Park Avenue, 2nd FloorOklahoma City, OK 73102T 405.602.9425

400 Capitol Mall, 11th FloorSacramento, CA 95814T 916.442.9444

hobbs straus llp brochure

Documents

indian country

indian law

american indian communities

lives of indian people

american indians

decades of experience

dean walker

jerry straus