BUFFALO, NY – Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP recently launched its American Indian Law practice group led by partner Carol E. Heckman. The firm’s attorneys provide legal and strategic advice to American Indian tribal governments and other entities committed to advancing tribal sovereignty, economic development, and tribal courts. 

Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman’s litigation experience spans state, federal and tribal courts as well as arbitrations, and has dealt with such issues as state and federal taxation, land claims, sovereign immunity, gaming compacts, IGRA, the Nonintercourse Act, insurance, the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Montana doctrine and tribal civil jurisdiction, property rights and land issues, constitutional claims, tort claims, treaty issues and contract claims. Transactional experience includes formation of tribal chartered entities, gaming compacts, commercial development, hotels on and off the reservations, real estate and financing, health care, employment and corporate/private equity matters, including sovereign wealth funds.   

With nearly 40 years of experience as a trial and appellate attorney, Judge Heckman (Ret.) concentrates her legal practice on government investigations and enforcement actions, arbitrations and mediations, commercial litigation and Native American Law. Recently, Judge Heckman’s primary focus has been on representing Fortune 500 companies and a sovereign Native American tribe in a variety of commercial and business disputes, including gaming and taxation.

Joining Judge Heckman in the American Indian Law practice group are firm partners and associates, including Neasa M. Seneca who focuses her practice primarily on federal Indian law, including issues that involve sovereignty and sovereign immunity, jurisdiction, and the Indian Child Welfare Act, and on commercial litigation matters.