The Washington DC-based Native American law practice at Akin represents tribal governments and their economic enterprises on matters involving tribal political empowerment, sovereignty and economic development. The group is regularly involved in the negotiation of settlements regarding land and water rights, and additionally advises tribes on a range of non-contentious mandates such as non-gaming business opportunities, governmental contracting, renewable energy projects, and telecommunications. Practice head Donald R Pongrace specializes in complex private and government-to-government negotiations, regularly appearing before federal, state and tribal courts. Additional key figures include Jason Hauter, who previously acted as in-house counsel for the Gila River Indian Community and has focused his practice on the implementation of Indian water rights settlements and water resource management. Katie Brossy specializes in advocating before federal agencies on water, land, gaming and education matters. Allison Binney left the firm in March 2023.
Key clients
- Willa Cather National Statuary Hall Selection Committee
- Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
- Gila River Indian Community
- The Seneca Nation of Indians
- Pechanga Band of Indians
- AMERIND
Work highlights
- In a pro bono engagement, advised the National Statuary Hall Selection Committee to navigate the federal process to replace the statue of Julius Sterling Morton with the Willa Cather statue in the United States Capitol.
- Recognized for an appellate win that allowed the Seneca Nation to proceed in a lawsuit that challenges New York state officials’ ongoing operation of the NYS Thruway across the Seneca Nation’s Cattaraugus Reservation.
- Engaged by Gila River Indian Community to assist with the planning of critical infrastructure, including police department buildings and public safety facilities, with the U.S. Department of Interior.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Donald R. Pongrace