Jena MacLean

Career

Jena MacLean advises clients on issues relating to federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native corporations and villages, and tribal lands. Clients seek her counsel on a range of environmental and federal Indian law issues, including treaty rights, the fee-to-trust process, tribal gaming approvals, compact negotiations, and infrastructure, natural resource, and economic development projects on tribal lands.

An experienced litigator, Jena has represented clients before the Supreme Court of the United States, numerous federal appellate and trial courts, and state courts. She litigates complex civil cases involving the scope of tribal sovereign immunity and treaty rights, gaming disputes, fire claims and other torts, and federal preemption questions, as well as challenges arising under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Jena has a wealth of experience in environmental and federal Indian laws, including the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, National Indian Forest Resources Management Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Endangered Species Act. Informed by this experience, she helps her clients develop practical strategies for interacting with tribes and tribal entities.

Ranked Band 1 by Chambers USA, Jena has been said to be "the foremost expert on Native American law in the country for those in a position where you have to litigate against a tribe." A client has also said that "Jena can do in a few minutes work that would take other lawyers weeks. She has so much knowledge."

Personal

University of Virginia School of Law, J.D. (2001)

Princeton University, A.B (1993)

Practice Areas

Environment, Energy & Resouces

Environmental Litigation

Native American Law & Policy

Trial Practice

Mining

Digital Media & Entertainment, Gaming & Sports

Regulated Gaming

Sports