Native American Law

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Miller Johnson’s Native American Law specialty provides comprehensive legal counsel to Tribal governments, tribally owned enterprises, Native American organizations, and non tribal entities engaging in commercial or governmental activities in Indian Country. What sets our team apart is our longstanding and trusted working relationships with Michigan’s sovereign tribal nations, federal agencies, and partners within the Department of Justice. Led by Erin Lane, whose prior service as a U.S. Department of Justice’s Tribal Liaison in the Western District of Michigan, Miller Johnson is uniquely positioned to support the full spectrum of tribal legal needs, from government-to-government negotiations and regulatory compliance to complex litigation and economic-development initiatives.

Promoting and Supporting Tribal Sovereignty
Miller Johnson assists tribal governments with a wide range of legal needs, including constitutional matters, tribal code development, and guidance on the scope and exercise of tribal sovereignty. Our team also stays current on U.S. Supreme Court decisions that affect Native nations, providing clear, timely counsel to help leaders understand how these rulings shape governance, jurisdiction, and future planning.

Business & Corporate
Miller Johnson is committed to promoting tribal business growth and long-term economic prosperity by delivering sophisticated corporate and commercial legal counsel tailored to the unique legal landscape of Indian Country.

Our attorneys advise tribal governments, tribally owned enterprises, and businesses seeking to partner with sovereign tribal nations on the legal and regulatory issues unique to Indian Country. We provide business clients with practical legal guidance that supports the development and growth of their enterprises, whether they are large corporations, small businesses, partnerships, families, or individual entrepreneurs. Our team is equipped to meet a wide range of needs while offering counsel that intentionally supports and promotes tribal sovereignty and economic development. By combining business insight with a deep understanding of the legal landscape affecting Native nations, we help clients move forward with confidence and clarity.

Internal Investigations
We advise tribal governments and tribally owned enterprises on sensitive internal investigations, including election integrity concerns, financial irregularities, ethics and conflict-of-interest matters, and allegations involving employees or leadership. Our attorneys have served as lead investigator and counsel on several successful federal investigations and prosecutions involving Michigan tribes, including cases of embezzlement from tribal casinos and tribal governments. When an investigation requires coordination outside the tribe, we work carefully with federal and tribal courts, regulatory agencies, and law enforcement bodies to protect tribal sovereignty, preserve institutional trust, and advocate for outcomes that align with each client’s governance priorities and long-term stability.

Gaming
Miller Johnson advises tribal governments and gaming enterprises on regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and financial-crime prevention, an area of growing importance as casinos increasingly become targets of sophisticated online and wire-fraud schemes. Our attorneys have served as lead counsel in high-stakes federal investigations involving scams directed at tribal casinos, including matters that resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars for a Michigan tribe. This experience provides first-hand understanding of how modern fraud operations develop, where internal vulnerabilities arise, and how quickly losses can escalate without a coordinated legal and operational response.

We work proactively with tribal leadership, finance departments, and casino management to strengthen internal controls, modernize fraud-prevention policies, and design response protocols before problems occur. We also provide targeted trainings for tribal governments, casino boards, and staff on recognizing emerging scam patterns, reporting obligations, and jurisdiction-specific enforcement considerations. Our goal is not only to respond when threats arise, but to equip tribal gaming enterprises with the legal strategy and practical tools needed to prevent losses, preserve sovereignty, and maintain public confidence in their operations.

Real Estate
Our Real Estate team offers comprehensive support across a wide range of property matters, including land‑in‑trust issues and other unique aspects of tribal real property law. Our attorneys bring deep experience in renewable energy and solar projects, development, condominiums, zoning and entitlements, acquisitions, leasing, affordable housing, 1031 exchanges, and tax‑incentive projects. With this broad and practical knowledge, we help clients confidently navigate the often complex and overwhelming landscape of real property law, ensuring their projects move forward smoothly and in alignment with tribal and federal requirements.

Trainings & Educational Opportunities
Miller Johnson’s Native American Law attorneys are frequently invited by tribal governments, intertribal organizations, and statewide associations to present at conferences, summits, and training programs. Our team regularly provides on site educational sessions for tribal councils, enterprise leaders, and administrative staff on topics ranging from sovereignty and governance to federal Indian law updates, economic development, and emerging regulatory issues.

Scroll down to see our upcoming speaking engagements and learn how to schedule a training or presentation for your community or organization.

Upcoming Presentations

February