The Michigan-based practice at Dykema Gossett PLLC specializes in assisting Native American tribes and business with all predevelopment and development aspects of establishing tribal gaming facilities. Typical activities for the group include advising on land-to-trust and gaming eligibility applications, the negotiation of development and financing agreements, as well as handling related litigation. Its expertise also extends to other matters affecting tribes and tribal land, including education, cannabis, and commerce with non-Indian businesses. The team is jointly directed by Lance Boldrey, who regularly handles transactional mandates including business agreements between developers, management companies, and tribes, as well as assisting state and local governments in navigating complex tribal gaming matters. Alongside him, Jason Hanselman routinely assists clients in highly-regulated industries with obtaining licenses. Courtney Kissel is a key contact for regulatory and legislative issues, and on the contentious side, Erin Sedmak is noted for her work on federal disputes involving tribes.
Key clients
- State of Indiana
- Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Work highlights
- Assisted NativeWahl, a tribally-owned subfranchisor for Wahlburgers restaurants, with negotiations with Wahlburgers to conclude a Master Franchise Agreement.
- Advised on the multiple ways that the twelve federally acknowledged tribes of Michigan can exercise their sovereignty when it comes to cannabis regulation and business.