The Office of Tribal Attorney operates under the general supervision of the Tribal Attorney. The Tribal Attorney is under the supervision of the Tribal Council in accordance with established Tribal Council policies. The mission of the Office of Tribal Attorney is to support, defend and advance the interests of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community by providing legal services to the Tribal Council and its subordinate departments, committees, agencies, offices and businesses. In the discharge of this function, the Office acts in an advisory and ministerial capacity.
The Office of Tribal Attorney serves as legal advisor to the Tribal Council. Under the policy direction of the Tribal Council, the Office also provides legal services to department heads, directors, officers, employees and staff of the Community and Community enterprises. The Office also acts as liaison to other sovereign Indian nations as well as federal, state and local governments, court systems, professional associations, and interest groups on matters of interest to the Community.
The Office of Tribal Attorney provides legal services on a wide range of issues. Practice areas include, but are not limited to, the following:
Tribal Law
Treaty Rights
Self-Governance
Federal Indian Law
Contract Law
Dispute Resolution
Constitutional Law
Administrative Law
Family Law/Adoptions
Tax Law
Litigation (avoidance, resolution)
Economic Development
Criminal Prosecution
Gaming Law
Construction Law
Employment Law
Environmental Law
Health Law
Land Use Legislation
Real Estate Law
Business/Commercial Law
Tort Law
Indian Child Welfare Law
The major functions of the Office of Tribal Attorney are to:
Protect the Community's sovereignty from encroachment
Provide legal advice to the Tribal Council and its subordinate departments
Represent the Community and its representatives in judicial, legislative, executive and administrative proceedings
Coordinate with federal, state and local agencies
Criminal Prosecutions