Welcome to the new beta version of legal500.com Visit the legacy site

North America - United States • Industry focus

Akin

More informationMore information

The Washington DC-based Native American law practice at Akin represents tribal governments and their economic enterprises on matters involving tribal political empowerment, sovereignty and economic development. The group is regularly involved in the negotiation of settlements regarding land and water rights, and additionally advises tribes on a range of non-contentious mandates such as non-gaming business opportunities, governmental contracting, renewable energy projects, and telecommunications. Practice head Donald R Pongrace specializes in complex private and government-to-government negotiations, regularly appearing before federal, state and tribal courts. Additional key figures include Jason Hauter, who previously acted as in-house counsel for the Gila River Indian Community and has focused his practice on the implementation of Indian water rights settlements and water resource management. Katie Brossy specializes in advocating before federal agencies on water, land, gaming and education matters. Allison Binney left the firm in March 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Willa Cather National Statuary Hall Selection Committee
  • Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
  • Gila River Indian Community
  • The Seneca Nation of Indians
  • Pechanga Band of Indians
  • AMERIND

Work highlights

  • In a pro bono engagement, advised the National Statuary Hall Selection Committee to navigate the federal process to replace the statue of Julius Sterling Morton with the Willa Cather statue in the United States Capitol.
  • Recognized for an appellate win that allowed the Seneca Nation to proceed in a lawsuit that challenges New York state officials’ ongoing operation of the NYS Thruway across the Seneca Nation’s Cattaraugus Reservation.
  • Engaged by Gila River Indian Community to assist with the planning of critical infrastructure, including police department buildings and public safety facilities, with the U.S. Department of Interior.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Donald R Pongrace

Donald R Pongrace

Akin

As chair of Akin’s American Indian law & policy practice, Don Pongrace provides strategic advice and advocates on behalf of tribal groups, governments and corporations. He has been involved in significant policy issues around the world, and he currently focuses his attention on policy issues relating to U.S. domestic policy at the federal, state and tribal levels. Don’s work on the federal aspects of tribal policies in the United States includes serving as lead counsel on the two largest Indian water settlements in U.S. history and one of the largest trust mismanagement claims in U.S. history. He also provides guidance to his clients on federal, state and tribal responses to the Colorado River mega-drought and the corresponding federal regulatory processes. To learn more about Don, please visit his full profile: https://www.akingump.com/en/lawyers-advisors/donald-r-pongrace.html

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Donald R. Pongrace

Other key lawyers

Jason Hauter, Katie Brossy