Tribal Government Services

Drummond Woodsum attorneys understand the challenges of running tribal governments, which must be responsive to tribal citizen needs 24/7. We are often the first call that Tribal leaders make in times of emergency. Our attorneys provide tribal governments with legal services specially tailored to each individual client. These services range from comprehensive general counsel work, broadly assisting with a Tribal Nation’s legal needs, to more discrete representation on individual, specialized legal matters.

Our Tribal Nations group has significant experience with economic development, business transactions, gaming, climate resilience planning, employment law, energy development, land use, environmental law, and the development of tribal codes, resolutions, and other sources of law. Drummond Woodsum also assists Tribal Nations with strategic planning projects, where we prioritize tribal sovereignty and self-determination through the implementation of policy as directed by tribal decision-makers.  Across the firm, we have attorneys with a broad range of subject matter expertise, which allows us to seamlessly address our Tribal Nations clients’ various needs.

Our attorneys regularly work with clients in policymaking matters from the strategic planning phase through policy drafting, roll out, and long-term program administration. For example,  Drummond recently assisted with the development and implementation of a youth healing to wellness court to divert Native youth from the trappings of the criminal justice system and provide opportunities for clients to address their substance use disorders and better connect with their culture and community. Drummond also assists clients with the development and implementation of multi-year community strategic planning documents, which can address sensitive issues such as enrollment, social services, and long-term financial planning. Our full-service team is able to assist through the planning and implementation of such plans.

Drummond also serves as a parliamentarian for one of our clients, providing counsel to the governing body during regular general council meetings.