BISMARCK-The law firm Robins Kaplan has launched an American Indian Law and Policy Practice Group headed by the former U.S. attorneys for North Dakota and South Dakota.
The initiative is aimed at providing tribes and other American Indian clients with legal expertise in areas including commercial disputes, gaming rights, natural resources and tribal boundary disputes.
The firm also can represent clients involving issues arising from the Violence Against Indian Act as implemented in Indian country.
The American Indian legal practice group is headed jointly by Tim Purdon, former U.S. attorney for North Dakota, who has an office in Bismarck, and Brendan Johnson, former U.S. attorney for South Dakota, who has an office in Sioux Falls.
Both were involved in federal public safety initiatives, often in partnership with tribes, to increase prosecutions and improve law enforcement.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tribes don't always have the legal expertise to fully assert their sovereignty, Purdon said Wednesday.
"They may not have that champion that they need," he said. "At Robins we've got that expertise and we're committed to evening the odds in these disputes."
In a statement, Johnson said, "Our commitment to tribal sovereignty and self-determination will drive our representations."
The focus on improving law enforcement in Indian country, a priority under the Obama Department of Justice, will continue for Purdon and Johnson in private practice, Purdon said.
"As U.S. attorneys, Brendan and I worked relentlessly to seek new ways to improve public safety in Indian country," Purdon said, adding that the effort is backed by the resources of Robins Kaplan, a national law firm.
