Best Lawyers in America for Native American Law

Jerry C. Straus is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Gaming Law and Native American Law. Jerry C., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jerry C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Philip Baker-Shenk is a partner in our firm's Indian Law Practice Group and our Entertainment Law Practice Group. He provides legal and policy representation to dozens of Native American Indian Tribal governments as well as Tribal organizations and companies doing business with Indian Tribes. Mr. Baker-Shenk began working on behalf of Indian Tribes in our Nation's capital in 1976. For half a decade, he served as staff in the U.S. Senate, including two years as Majority General Counsel to Indi...

Kenneth W. Parsons is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law. Kenneth W., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lynn Slade serves clients’ needs addressing Federal Indian law and Native American law, energy, natural resources, environmental law, project development, complex litigation and transactions for over 30 years. In his Indian law practice, Lynn advises and counsels natural resource and energy developers, financial institutions, utilities, and other businesses in transactions and project development, including extensive involvement with renewable energy projects. He also leads litigation t...

F. Michael Willis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law. F. Michael, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which F. Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Tobin joined the Firm in 1968 and became a partner in 1970. His involvement in a number of prominent cases at both the state and federal level during this time helped to expand the Firm’s litigation practice. Today, he practices extensively in the areas of corporate, commercial, gaming and Indian law, appellate, personal injury and wrongful death and general litigation. Mr. Tobin has lectured before the Connecticut Bar Association and is a Connecticut Superior Court Trial Referee.

Chair of the firm’s Natural Resources Department and the American Indian Law & Policy Group. Represents tribal nations, those doing business with tribes and western water districts. Proven ability to resolve natural resource and water disputes before Congress and the Department of the Interior. Ryan Smith represents tribes, water districts and corporations before Congress, the Department of the Interior and the courts on tribal issues and Western natural resource issues. He has sign...

Edward Ayoob is a partner and the co-chair of the Federal Relations Group in Barnes & Thornburg's Washington, D.C., office. His work on behalf of clients includes areas such as taxation, appropriations, Native American, small business, foreign affairs, and various regulatory concerns, among numerous other issues. Edward is the former legislative counsel, tax counsel, appropriations manager, and foreign affairs adviser to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). He was also the senat...

Joseph H. Webster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Gaming Law and Native American Law. Joseph H., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Edmund Clay Goodman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law. Edmund Clay, who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edmund Clay is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sarah Stevenson is a shareholder in the Natural Resources Department and a litigator representing public entities and private businesses. Her natural resources experience focuses on water law, including water adjudications and interstate water compacts, and Native American law, including natural resource development projects on Native American land. She has advised clients developing projects on Native American land on issues regarding indigenous rights, jurisdiction, and contract formation. ...

Brian Nichols’ practice is primarily in federal Indian law and litigation, including tribal courts, with focuses on energy, natural resources, transportation and employment. His experience includes: Lead counsel in trials in federal, state, and tribal courts. Lead negotiator in labor negotiations. Advising and negotiating for clients with tribal nations. Consulting with clients doing or considering business on or with tribal nations. Brian has advised clients including BHP Billiton, Uni...