Varnum counsels tribal entities and organizations issues related to business and development.

We are qualified and prepared to serve you in the following areas:

• Native American bank organization, financing and operations.
• Bond financing for tribal entities, agencies and instrumentalities.
• Business incubators, start-ups and development.
• Cross-deputization and cooperative law enforcement agreements between tribes and local, state and Federal agencies.
• Estate planning, family law and asset protection representation with consideration for per capita payments, enrollment issues, ICWA issues, tribal law, sovereignty and other Native American issues.
• Gaming matters , including RFPs and selection of gaming partners, joint venture, co-development and management agreements with gaming partners, NIGC approvals and matters, State compacts, contractor and vendor arrangements, local revenue-sharing arrangements, and casino-financing agreements and arrangements, including private placements, bond financings and public offerings.
• Human resources planning and management.
• Joint ventures with non-Indian business partners and related MBE planning.
• Labor and employment issues in Indian Country.
• Litigation and advice regarding sovereignty, jurisdiction, zoning, tax, regulatory authority and other issues related to indigenous integrity and primacy.
• Lobbying and public relations at the local, state and Federal level.
• Mining and mineral development and excavation in Indian Country.
• Oil and gas exploration, development and distribution in Indian Country.
• Real estate issues in Indian Country.
• Risk analysis and management.
• Tax law matters related to jurisdiction and sovereignty and state/local tax negotiations.
• Protecting tribal trademarks, logos, designs, copyrights and other intellectual property.
• Establishing and enforcing treaty rights.
• Development and protection of water resources and riparian rights.