Dennis G. Chappabitty

 

Dennis G. Chappabitty

 

 

     Since 1982, I have been in general law practice as a sole practitioner, focusing on Federal Employment Law, Federal Indian Law, Traditional Tribal Law, Federal Civil litigation, Federal administrative, Federal Tort Claims Act and Federal criminal practice.  My experience includes serving as lead trial counsel in the preparation and conduct of both jury and non-jury trials in federal, state and tribal courts.

 

      I have presented oral arguments on appeals before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit and District of Columbia Circuit. 

 

     In the practice of law within the federal administrative system and appeals process, I have extensive experience, especially within the Federal EEOC, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board and the U.S. Department of Interior Board of Indian Appeals, including administrative class action litigation. 

 

      I advise Tribes and non-tribal businesses on how to develop structures for partnerships with private interests that will promote economic development, on and off tribal lands.  Experienced in fee to trust applications and dealing with Carcieri  issues.

 

     On a National level, I have spoken on the Federal Indian Civil Rights Act and its impact on the individual rights of tribal members and on its implications in regard to tribal sovereignty and internal governmental decision making.  My practical experience includes teaching and instructing tribal officials and members courses on “Tribal Enrollment: Mediation & Conflict Resolution".

 

     Over the past decade, my law practice has become more deeply involved in tribal land management, renewable energy and economic development with an emphasis on tribal code development and establishing solid government structures that promote effective business decision making.

 

    Another area where I have successfully represented tribes is in the area of leasing tribal lands for economic development to outside businesses and companies under 25 CFR Part 162 “Residential, Business, and Wind and Solar Leases on Indian Land.” My experience includes working with tribes desiring to develop renewable energy projects.   I have represented tribal members in leasing their interest in individually owned Indian allotment lands. One of my most recent areas of practice is the development of tribal codes and regulatory frameworks for the proper conduct in the Cannabis industry on tribal trust properties.

 

     For over ten years I have been an advocate against the United States government's failure to repeal the Ute Partition and Termination Act. This is an act of extreme racism and was the first Act of Congress to terminate the first 490 "mixed blood" members of the Uinta Band of Ute Indians in Utah.

 

 

      Areas of Practice

 

• Federal Employment Law​

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• Federal Indian Law​

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• Federal Tort Claims Act

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• Federal Criminal Law