Lawyer Sees Demand for Expert Native American Legal Counsel Increasing Due to Rising Interest in Working with the Wayland Casino

Businesses will have to carefully consider the terms associated with working with Native American tribes.

Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 8, 2009 – The Gun Lake Tribe of Pottawatomi Indians will likely mandate the hiring of a certain percentage of local suppliers and sub-contractors for its new casino in Wayland Township. For those businesses in the greater Grand Rapids area that are interested in working with the Tribe, many will find that contracting with Native Americans will call for special expertise.

Kirk Morgan is a local attorney who has helped businesses navigate the complexities of contracting with Native American tribes. He and his firm’s team of Native American Law experts are anticipating an increase in contract reviews for their clients that have the opportunity to profit from the new casino.

"Our clients who work with Native American tribes have certainly benefited from the relationship," says Morgan. "But from jurisdictional issues to working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to avoiding potential discrimination matters, businesses must do their homework to ensure a successful relationship and avoid risk."

Morgan and his team will soon host a seminar on the various issues related to the topic at a location in Grand Rapids. In the meantime, they will continue to help their clients benefit from this new economic development for the region.