Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker: Roy Michael L

Welcome to the platform for Nearby Lawyers. We are pleased to introduce Roy Michael L, a distinguished partner at the nationally recognized law firm of Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker LLP, located in Washington, D.C. For over four decades, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker has dedicated its practice entirely to the complex and evolving field of Indian law, striving to empower Native American and Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations.

Roy Michael L has been an integral part of Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker since 1985, becoming a partner in 1994. While he briefly ventured into commercial litigation with a national law firm, his passion for Indian law, ignited during his undergraduate studies in anthropology and Native American studies at Dartmouth College, drew him back to Hobbs Straus in 1992. Since his return, Mr. Roy has cultivated a deep expertise in various critical areas, including litigation, gaming, administrative law, employment, and organizational issues, all within the unique context of federal Indian law and tribal sovereignty.

Mr. Roy's commitment to Indian law is evident in his professional achievements. He successfully argued the landmark case of Reservation Telephone Cooperative v. Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, a significant ruling that upheld the principle of tribal exhaustion of remedies. His contributions extend to the highest court, where he assisted in drafting several Supreme Court briefs, including the notable case of Seminole Tribe of Florida v. State of Florida. His extensive experience encompasses representing tribes in both federal and tribal courts in a wide array of disputes, including land claims, employment and labor matters, tribal taxation, and gaming-related issues. Furthermore, he has represented tribal clients before numerous federal agencies, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the administrative landscape impacting tribal governance.

A significant portion of Mr. Roy's practice is dedicated to the intricate field of Indian gaming. He provides invaluable counsel to tribes seeking to navigate the complex federal laws and regulations governing Indian gaming activities. His expertise extends to advising on tribal regulation of gaming and facilitating economic development through gaming ventures. Mr. Roy routinely represents clients before key regulatory bodies such as the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Indian Gaming, handling matters ranging from the approval of management contracts and tribal-state compacts to the approval of off-reservation trust acquisitions for gaming purposes. He also assists with the crucial aspects of gaming ordinance approval and rule-making processes. His negotiation skills are highly sought after in drafting management, development, and other vital gaming-related agreements.

Notably, Mr. Roy was a key member of the legal team that represented the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut in their groundbreaking 1995 endeavor to establish a major casino. This achievement was particularly significant as it involved the first-ever issuance of commercial bonds to finance the construction of an Indian casino, a testament to Mr. Roy's innovative and strategic legal acumen.

Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker LLP, the firm where Mr. Roy practices, is not just a law firm; it is a dedicated advocate for tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Their approach is rooted in the fundamental recognition of tribes' inherent right to self-government, a principle that permeates all areas of their legal practice. The firm's attorneys and legislative specialists work collaboratively on virtually every facet of federal Indian law, with the overarching goal of safeguarding and promoting tribal sovereignty.

The firm's expertise extends beyond gaming to encompass a wide range of critical areas for tribal nations, including:

• Tribal Affairs: Addressing matters related to tribal governance, constitutions, and jurisdictional issues.
• Self-Determination and Self-Governance: Assisting tribes in exercising their rights to control their own affairs and programs.
• Programs and Services: Navigating the complexities of federal programs and services available to tribes.
• Indian Housing: Providing legal guidance on housing development and management within tribal lands.
• Economic Development: Supporting tribes in their efforts to build sustainable and thriving economies.
• Natural Resources: Addressing legal issues related to the management and protection of tribal natural resources.

In addition to these core areas, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker possesses specific knowledge and experience in Oklahoma and Alaska Native issues, as well as international indigenous rights, reflecting the firm's broad and comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape affecting indigenous peoples.

Since its inception in 1982, Hobbs Straus has built enduring client relationships based on unwavering integrity, a deep-seated commitment to Indian Country, and an unparalleled knowledge of the multifaceted nature of Indian law. The firm's clients include not only tribal governments and tribal entities but also prominent national Indian organizations such as the National Congress of American Indians and Americans for Indian Opportunity, as well as various national and regional Indian organizations focused on education, housing, health, child welfare, and gaming.

With offices strategically located in Washington, D.C., Portland, OR, Oklahoma City, OK, Sacramento, CA, Anchorage, AK, and Clinton, NY, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker offers a national presence with a local touch. The firm's team of 37 attorneys, 15 of whom are of Native American descent, brings a wealth of diverse perspectives and a profound understanding of the unique legal and cultural contexts of the communities they serve.

For local users seeking expert legal counsel in Native American Law, Roy Michael L at Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker LLP offers a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His deep understanding of the intricacies of tribal law, combined with the firm's long-standing dedication to Indian Country, makes him an invaluable resource for tribes and tribal organizations navigating the complexities of the legal system. Whether you require assistance with gaming regulations, litigation, administrative matters, employment issues, or economic development initiatives within the framework of Native American law, Mr. Roy and the team at Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker are well-equipped to provide the highest quality legal services and advocacy.

We encourage local users to consider the extensive expertise and dedicated service offered by Roy Michael L and Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker LLP for all your legal needs related to Native American Law. Their commitment to promoting and defending tribal sovereignty ensures that their clients receive not only exceptional legal representation but also a partnership built on respect, understanding, and a shared vision for the future of Indian Country.