Native American Law & Tribal Advocacy
Overview
PilieroMazza’s Native American Law & Tribal Advocacy attorneys have earned a national reputation for their extensive experience helping Indian tribes, tribally owned business entities, Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), and concerns owned by Native Americans meet the challenges created by the unique legal structures that affect tribes, ANCs, and NHOs. The firm’s attorneys are knowledgeable about and sensitive to the unique sovereignty and tribal governance issues and assist tribes and other Native organizations form corporations and establish relationships with third parties while protecting tribal interests. Clients benefit from our comprehensive and holistic approach to structuring business entities in order to take advantage of contracting opportunities with the federal government and our depth of knowledge about the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) and other small business set-aside programs. PilieroMazza is also well-informed on the procedures for placing tribally owned lands into trust, and we help clients resolve tax issues with other governmental entities.
Because we are familiar with the programs, laws, and regulations that affect Native Americans, our attorneys can quickly identify legislative and rulemaking actions that may positively or adversely impact our clients and work proactively to maximize benefits and limit or eliminate negative consequences. Additionally, PilieroMazza’s substantial experience with and knowledge of the distinctive legal status of Native American organizations allows us to offer clients efficient and cost-effective solutions to their most complex challenges.
A non-exhaustive list of the types of projects on which we have partnered with Indian tribes, tribally-owned business entities, ANCs, and NHOs includes:
- Filing and pursuing bid protests in the Government Accountability office and Court of Federal Claims;
- Advising and counseling tribes, ANCs, and NHOs on teaming agreements, prime and subcontracts, joint ventures, mentor-protégé relationships, subcontracting plans, small business program eligibility and applications, technology and licensing issues, data rights, and other issues that arise for government contractors;
- Representing entities in complex litigation, including business disputes, corporate conflicts, and employment matters, including the strategic assertion of sovereign immunity defenses;
- Advising and counseling management personnel on maintaining compliance with all necessary federal and state regulations;
- Analyzing, structuring, and negotiating complex corporate transactions; and
- Representing entities and executives in government investigations by the Department of Justice and agency Offices of the Inspector General on a host of issues, including the False Claims Act.
