About

Provided by Robins Kaplan LLP

For too long, American Indian Tribes across the United States have faced a competitive disadvantage when litigating against powerful forces. With its American Indian Law and Policy Practice, Robins Kaplan LLP seeks to redefine excellence for high-stakes litigation representation in Indian Country. Founded and led by former United States Attorneys Brendan Johnson and Tim Purdon, our American Indian Law and Policy Practice exists to bring justice to Tribal clients whose claims in the past have been dismissed or ignored due to their underdog status. Our American Indian Law lawyers understand the challenges Tribes face when state and local governments infringe on Tribal sovereignty and the federal government neglects its trust responsibilities. Our passion for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination is the driving force behind our practice, fueling our Tribal advice and advocacy―especially when Tribes are forced to litigate against powerful interests.

Informed by our practice leaders' experience in other positions, working hand-in-hand with Tribes to implement the Tribal Law and Order Act, fighting against the diminishment of Tribal lands and resources, and improving public safety on the Reservations.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Native American Law - USA - Nationwide

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Robins Kaplan's distinguished team advocates on behalf of tribes in a range of complex litigation. It possesses a wealth of experience representing clients in energy extraction and sovereignty disputes in federal, state and tribal courts. The firm has played a particularly prominent role in opioid litigation brought against manufacturers and distributors. The team also offers capabilities in the area of tribal lending and advises clients on tribal cannabis business operations.

Work Highlights

  • Robins Kaplan represented the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin in litigation against major social media companies, alleging the rampant social media addiction for Native American teenagers is contributing to suicide rates much higher than their adolescent counterparts.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Brendan Johnson
2
Brendan Johnson
2
Band 2
Brendan Johnson maintains a strong market presence for his work representing clients in complex litigation surrounding issues such as opioids, tribal sovereignty and tribal lending.

Brendan is fantastic and is a huge help for his clients. He's so well connected in the Indian community and gets results very quickly.

Brendan is an awesome person who cares about his clients.

Brendan cares very much for his clients, and always keeps in mind what's in their best interests. He also works incredibly hard and is very smart.

Brendan is an excellent advocate and problem-solver.

Brendan is a fantastic strategist with a track record of achieving good results for his clients.

Timothy Purdon
2
Timothy Purdon
2
Band 2
Former US Attorney for the District of North Dakota Timothy Purdon regularly leads criminal investigations and handles litigation relating to Native American law issues.

Tim is a great lawyer with strong follow through and an excellent demeanor.

Timothy Billion
U
Timothy Billion
U
Up and Coming
Timothy Billion has experience representing tribal clients in a range of litigation matters including tribal lending enterprises, trespass issues and ownership rights.

Ranked Lawyers at
Robins Kaplan LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

Native American Law

Brendan Johnson
2
Brendan Johnson
2
Band 2
Timothy Purdon
2
Timothy Purdon
2
Band 2
Timothy Billion
U
Timothy Billion
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Robins Kaplan LLP