🔺5 Best Law Firms to Watch 2024

Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP is a Law Firm Dedicated to the Representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal Business Enterprises, and Tribal Organizations

The firm's approach is not just about addressing immediate legal needs but also about empowering clients with the knowledge and tools necessary for long-term success.

Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP is a Law Firm Dedicated to the Representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal Business Enterprises, and Tribal Organizations

Sheila D. Corbine, Founding Partner, Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP

BY SME Business Review

Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP is a beacon for the future of tribal legal representation. As a law firm that is both 100% Native American-owned and majority Native American woman-owned, its members hail from a diverse array of tribes, including the Winnebago Tribe, Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa Tribe, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Ho-Chunk Nation, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the Crow Tribe, and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. For the company, Indian Country is not just a jurisdiction to practice law in, but home and community, which informs and enriches its legal practice.

Big Fire Law & Policy Group is distinct from other firms because its entire operation is focused on serving Indian Country. The company doesn’t just have a tribal practice group within a larger firm; the whole firm's mission is dedicated to the needs of tribal nations. This commitment is rooted in a deep, personal understanding of the history, culture, and unique legal landscape of Indian Country. The firm knows the sacrifices ancestors made to secure the rights and freedoms that communities enjoy today, and it feels a profound responsibility to continue that fight. This sense of duty and respect for heritage drives the company's passion and commitment to its clients.

The firm's firsthand experience with the intricacies of tribal political dynamics and cultural influences allows it to offer nuanced and effective legal representation. The company understands the crucial roles that treaties, cultural heritage, and historical context play in tribal legal affairs. This understanding helps it appreciate the authority of tribal nations and the wisdom of tribal leaders, recognizing that the best outcomes for Indian Country come from within the community. The company's deep personal connection to the unique challenges faced by communities forms the cornerstone of its dedication to helping those communities develop the tools needed not just to survive, but to thrive in the long term.

The founding partners of Big Fire Law & Policy Group bring together over a century of combined tribal legal experience. This depth of knowledge is complemented by unique lived experiences, which include serving as executives in tribal economic development holding companies, leaders in tribal health systems, elected and appointed tribal officials, board members of esteemed organizations, tribal judges, legal educators, and holding key positions within the federal government. These roles have provided the company with a multifaceted perspective on the challenges and opportunities within Indian Country, enhancing its ability to serve clients effectively.

The firm’s mission is to use extensive skills and experiences to provide unparalleled service to Indian Country. It conducts itself with the highest level of integrity, a reflection of the values instilled by its communities and heritage. This integrity is not just about ethical behavior but also about being trustworthy stewards of the legal and cultural heritage of the tribes the company represents. The firm aims to honor ancestors' sacrifices by fighting for the protection and advancement of the rights that were hard-won and by ensuring that these rights are preserved and expanded for future generations.

Big Fire Law & Policy Group offers a wide range of services that cover various aspects of legal representation and advocacy. It handles general governmental affairs, helping tribal nations navigate complex bureaucratic landscapes and advocating for their interests at all levels of government. In the realm of business development, the company provides strategic advice to foster economic growth within tribal communities, ensuring that development projects are sustainable and beneficial to the community as a whole. Its expertise in tax disputes and complex litigation ensures that tribes have robust representation in these often contentious and high-stakes areas.

The firm's approach is not just about addressing immediate legal needs but also about empowering clients with the knowledge and tools necessary for long-term success. The company provides education and training to tribal leaders and community members, helping them understand their legal rights and how to effectively advocate for themselves. This empowerment is crucial for fostering self-sufficiency and resilience within tribal communities.

Big Fire Law & Policy Group also places a strong emphasis on collaboration. It works closely with clients, listening to their needs and concerns, and developing tailored strategies that reflect the unique circumstances of each tribe. This collaborative approach ensures that the company's legal solutions are not only effective but also culturally appropriate and respectful of the traditions and values of the communities it serves.

Simply put, Big Fire Law & Policy Group stands at the forefront of tribal legal representation, offering a unique combination of deep cultural understanding, extensive legal expertise, and a steadfast commitment to the communities it serves. The company's dedication to preserving and advancing the rights of tribal nations, coupled with its innovative and collaborative approach, makes it a trusted and invaluable partner for Indian Country. As the firm continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains clear: to provide unparalleled legal service with integrity and to empower tribal nations to control their own destinies and achieve long-term success.

Sheila D. Corbine, Founding Partner, Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP

Big Fire Law & Policy Group is a 100% Native owned and majority woman owned national law firm providing legal representation and advocacy in a broad range of service areas, with an emphasis in tribal law and federal Indian law.