Other Commercial Litigation Topics Attorney in Oklahoma CIty, Oklahoma
Besides litigation, how do you protect Native American rights?
Besides litigation, how do you protect Native American rights?
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Counsel began representing the Choctaw Nation after graduating from law school in 1974. Except for the period spent on the bench, they have served as general counsel for both the Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation, while also providing legal work for other tribes such as the Cherokee Nation and the Muscogee Creek Nation.
A key aspect of this role involves helping tribes develop a fundamental understanding of sovereignty—specifically, when to exercise it and when to avoid overplaying it. This is achieved through meetings with tribal councils, chiefs, and executive officers, focusing on training and instilling the concept that, despite their sovereignty, tribes must collaborate with other governing entities such as cities, counties, states, and the United States. This educational process regarding the meaning and appropriate exercise of sovereignty primarily takes place outside the courtroom.
Oklahoma City, OK commercial litigation attorney Michael Burrage discusses how, besides litigation, he helps protect Native American rights. After graduating from law school in 1974, the attorney began representing the Choctaw Nation. Aside from a period on the bench, they have continuously served as general counsel for both the Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation, while also handling legal matters for other tribes, including the Cherokee Nation and the Muscogee Creek Nation.
A significant part of this role involves guiding tribes in understanding and applying their sovereignty effectively. This includes determining when to assert sovereignty and when to exercise restraint. The process involves engaging with tribal councils, chiefs, and executive officers, providing training, and emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other governing entities such as cities, counties, states, and the federal government. The education on the meaning and strategic use of sovereignty typically occurs outside the courtroom.
