At the heart of many Indian law issues lies the issue of jurisdiction.  Whether it is a business partner, an outside vendor, a state government or federal agency, very few understand tribal sovereignty and how it impacts a tribe’s ability to govern its lands and citizens. 

As an Indian law attorney, Owen’s job is to protect a tribe’s sovereign interests, defending the tribe from unwanted encroachment on its jurisdiction. Whether it’s the form of dispute resolution in a simple contract, or a complex MOU with a federal agency, understanding the legal landscape in these situations is critical and helps to ensure that tribal sovereignty is protected.