Other Commercial Litigation Topics Attorney in Oklahoma CIty, Oklahoma
Besides litigation, how do you protect Native American rights?
Besides litigation, how do you protect Native American rights?
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Counsel began representing the Choctaw Nation after graduating from law school in 1974. Except for the period spent on the bench, they have served as general counsel for both the Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation, while also providing legal work for other tribes such as the Cherokee Nation and the Muscogee Creek Nation.
A key aspect of this role involves helping tribes develop a fundamental understanding of sovereignty—specifically, when to exercise it and when to avoid overplaying it. This is achieved through meetings with tribal councils, chiefs, and executive officers, focusing on training and instilling the concept that, despite their sovereignty, tribes must collaborate with other governing entities such as cities, counties, states, and the United States. This educational process regarding the meaning and appropriate exercise of sovereignty primarily takes place outside the courtroom.
Oklahoma City, OK commercial litigation attorney Michael Burrage discusses how, besides litigation, he helps protect Native American rights. He states that he began representing the Choctaw Nation shortly after graduating from law school in 1974. Aside from a period spent serving on the bench, he continues to act as general counsel for both the Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation, while also providing legal services to other tribes, including the Cherokee Nation and the Muscogee Creek Nation.
A central component of his work involves guiding tribes in understanding the nuances of sovereignty—knowing when to exercise it and when to temper its application. This guidance is delivered through meetings with tribal councils, chiefs, and executive officers, emphasizing training and education. He focuses on instilling the principle that, while tribes possess sovereignty, they must work collaboratively with other governing entities, including cities, counties, states, and the federal government. Much of this education and strategic guidance occurs outside the courtroom.
