R. Daniel "Daniel" Carter

R. Daniel Carter practices law in the areas of federal Indian law, Native American law, renewable and nonrenewable energy, and federal regulatory compliance. Daniel’s has a deep knowledge of the unique relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes. His impressive background includes working as a counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs during the passage of landmark federal legislation, such as VAWA and the HEARTH Act, with a particular focus on natural resource development on federal and Indian lands. He is recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers and Chambers USA as an outstanding attorney in his fields of practice.

Daniel represents clients in litigation matters in federal, tribal and state courts, including cases of first impression in federal appellate and tribal supreme courts. He also has experience in administrative appeals, such as the Interior Board of Indian Appeals, and in alternative dispute proceedings.

The following topics are representative of Daniel’s primary areas of practice:

Tribal Governmental Representation

• Indian Treaty and Sovereignty Rights
• Tribal Trust Land Acquisitions and Disputes
• Intergovernmental Agreements and Compacts
• Internal Tribal Governmental Affairs
• Breach-of-Trust Litigation
• Tribal Code Drafting
• Tort Defense
• Native American Cultural Properties and Religious Freedoms

Indian Country Business Representation

• Indian Gaming
• Native American Business and Casino Financing
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Transactions and Appeals
• Native American Lending Enterprises
• Governmental Contracting and 8(a) Certifications
• Tribal Sovereign Immunity
• Construction Agreements and Disputes
• Business Formation and Acquisitions

Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy

• Federal and Indian Mineral Leases
• Wind and Solar Energy Transactions
• Rights-of-Way Across Federal and Indian Lands
• Federal Regulatory and Permitting Requirements
• Environmental Matters and Regulatory Compliance
• Native American and Tribal Consultation
• Royalties and Reporting Requirements

Additionally, Daniel has the unique expertise of serving as Attorney General for two federally recognized Native American tribes in Oklahoma. In his capacity as Attorney General, he provides guidance to tribes on tribal sovereignty and tribal law, and also represents tribes in litigation on important matters such as tribal jurisdiction, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and as a criminal prosecutor.

Outside of work, Daniel is an active leader in the community. He is on the board of directors and a volunteer for Tulsa Lawyers for Children, where he represents abused and neglected children in domestic disputes. He is also on the board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities – Tulsa and the Tulsa Boys Home. Daniel is a member of the Native American Bar Association and the Federal Indian Law Section of the Federal Bar Association.

Daniel received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law and graduated summa cum laude from Oklahoma State University. Daniel grew up in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, the heart of the Osage Indian Reservation, and is an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, a federally recognized Indian tribe.