R. Daniel Carter

Overview

Drawing upon his deep knowledge of Native American law, including his unique insights into the federal government’s relations with tribal nations, Daniel serves as a trusted advisor to his clients in a wide array of transactional and litigation matters.

Daniel focuses on advising clients in matters involving federal Indian law, Tribal law, renewable and nonrenewable energy and federal regulatory compliance. He has extensive experience in litigation matters in federal, Tribal and state courts, including cases of first impression in federal appellate and tribal supreme courts.

Daniel also represents clients in administrative appeals and alternative dispute proceedings, including service as an arbitrator.

Demonstrating his broad expertise working with tribes, Daniel has served as the Attorney General for two federally recognized Indian tribes in Oklahoma. His experience includes tribal sovereign rights, economic development, jurisdictional disputes, commercial transactions, casino financing, treaty rights, energy development, real estate and government contracting.

He previously served as counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where he worked on landmark federal legislation, such as VAWA and the HEARTH Act, with a particular focus on natural resource development on federal and Indian lands. Daniel is recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers and Chambers USA as an outstanding attorney in his fields of practice.

Daniel grew up in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, the heart of the Osage Indian Reservation, and is an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, a federally recognized Indian Tribe. Outside of work, Daniel is an active leader in the community. He serves as Vice Chair of the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission, which is a group of Native American community leaders appointed to advance Native American culture, services and relations within the Tulsa community.

Professional Activities

• American Bar Association, Member
• Federal Bar Association, Indian Law Section, Member
• Tulsa County Bar Association, Member

Community Activities

• Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission, Vice Chair

Experience

Tribal Governmental Representation

• Indian Treaty and Sovereignty Rights
• Tribal Trust Land Acquisitions and Disputes
• Intergovernmental Agreements and Compacts
• Internal Tribal Governmental Affairs
• Breach-of-Trust Litigation
• Tribal Code Drafting
• Tort Defense
• Native American Cultural Properties and Religious Freedoms

Indian Country Business Representation

• Indian Gaming
• Native American Business and Casino Financing
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Transactions and Appeals
• Native American Lending Enterprises
• Governmental Contracting and 8(a) Certifications
• Tribal Sovereign Immunity
• Construction Agreements and Disputes
• Business Formation and Acquisitions

Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy

• Federal and Indian Mineral Leases
• Wind and Solar Energy Transactions
• Rights-of-Way Across Federal and Indian Lands
• Federal Regulatory and Permitting Requirements
• Environmental Matters and Regulatory Compliance
• Native American and Tribal Consultation

News & Insights