The attorneys of Smith, Jolly, Shelton & Ragona, LLC, formerly Smith & Jolly, LLC, have devoted their careers to representing Indian nations and specializing in all areas of Tribal and Federal Indian law. We are determined to provide the highest quality legal representation at competitive rates to Indian tribal governments, departments, agencies, schools, colleges, and economic enterprises.

Federal Indian law is probably the most unique area of law in North America. It is complex, specialized, and deeply rooted in both history and culture. It is an area of law that is completely foreign to most attorneys and demands a full understanding of and respect for tribal sovereignty, self-government, and self-determination. While it can be easy to use such terms, only a true comprehension, belief, and commitment to sovereignty, self-government, and self-determination can provide Indian nations and their instrumentalities with the kind of legal representation they need.

At Smith, Jolly, Shelton & Ragona, LLC, protecting and upholding tribal sovereignty is a fundamental value. In its practice of Indian law, Smith, Jolly, Shelton & Ragona, LLC is committed to Indian nations and their interests. Our loyalty to Indian nations coupled with our dedication to the highest quality of service is what distinguishes Smith, Jolly, Shelton & Ragona and its Indian law practice from many other law firms in the field. We approach the representation of our clients from the first principle that tribes are sovereign governments and, accordingly, strive in all of our work to strengthen tribal self-government and fight for true self-determination.

In addition to our Federal Indian law practice on behalf of tribes, Smith, Jolly, Shelton & Ragona also provides representation to both Indian and non-Indian owned businesses as well as representation to individuals in many areas.

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INDIAN LAW UPDATES

Stephen H. and Tammy H. v. Arizona Department of Economic Security et. al., Ariz. Ct. App.

On January 3, 2008, the Court of Appeals for the state of Arizona held that in order to find a child dependent where the Indian Child Welfare Act applies a qualified expert must explicitly state that continued... more »

San Manuel v. NLRB, D.C. Cir. (Feb. 9, 2007)

On February 9, 2007, the District of Columbia Circuit handed down its decision in San Manuel v. NLRB. The D.C. Circuit held that the National Labor Relations Act ("NLRA") applies to Indian tribes... more »

Bush Proposes to Slash Indian Health Care, Education, and Housing Funding

Although the Bush Administration's proposed 2008 budget purports to include a modest increase in overall funding for Indian programs, it includes glaring cuts in Indian health care for Indians residing... more »

NIGC Publishes Rule-Making Agenda

The National Indian Gaming Commission ("NIGC") has updated its proposed rule-making agenda. In its semi-annual regulatory agenda, the NIGC has listed seven rules in the proposed stage, three in the final... more »