Lawyers in the firm successfully argued the appeal establishing that the Indian Child Welfare Act pre-empted procedural requirements of Oregon state law, where such requirements interfered with the intent of the Indian Child Welfare Act. In re Shuey, 119 Or.App. 185, 850 P.2d 378 (Or.Ct.App. 1992).

Tribal Affairs

For over two decades Hobbs Straus has worked side by side with tribal councils to advance their causes and further their own development. We have assisted our tribal clients on such varied issues as tribal infrastructure, land use claims and protection, election and campaign law, jurisdiction and intergovernmental relations. From helping a tribe gain federal recognition, to examining whether the federal trust responsibility has been breached, to protecting and restoring land use claims, Hobbs Straus brings its deep experience in Indian law to bear. Tribes may call on us to advocate on their behalf before federal, state, local and tribal governments and courts.


Our Work
Broken Trust. Recovered Loss.
Placing a Value on the Government's Word
In the late sixties, the Quinault Tribe of the Pacific Northwest watched in dismay as the United States government sold its valuable timber at under-market prices. The Quinault quickly organized and mobilized.
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