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Brian Gunn is a senior associate and a member of both the firm’s Corporate and Securities and Government and Regulatory Affairs Practice Groups. Brian provides a broad range of legal services to tribal governments, tribal businesses and entities doing business with Indian tribes, with an emphasis on regulatory and lobbying activities. Examples of his recent work include:
Lobbying on behalf of several Indian tribes to oppose federal legislation that would waive tribal sovereign immunity from suits by state governments.
Analyzing the impact of the National Labor Relations Board’s assertion of jurisdiction over Indian tribes and lobbying on tribes’ behalf for passage of a legislative solution.
Working with tribal regulatory entities and the National Indian Gaming Commission to implement tribal-state compact requirements and obtain approval of management contracts.
Advising Indian tribes on pending legislation and newly enacted public laws.
In addition to legislative and counseling activities, Brian's practice also includes a substantial litigation component, including experience representing both Indian tribes and tribal businesses in suits against the United States, state governments and private persons and entities. His litigation experience includes the following:
Suing state government officials on behalf of Indian tribes and tribal businesses to enjoin state attempts to collect motor fuel and cigarette taxes in Indian country.
Representing Indian tribes in actions against the U.S. government to expedite the federal recognition process and to enforce treaty obligations.
Defending a gaming development company from tortious interference and unfair competition claims.
Defending a private Indian school against employment discrimination claims and federal unfair labor practice charges.
In addition to litigation involving Indian tribes, Brian has represented companies in complex copyright, patent, trade secret and antitrust cases.
In General. Brian received his bachelor's degree from Washington State University and his J.D. degree from the University of Washington School of Law, and is admitted to practice in the courts of the District of Columbia and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Prior to joining the firm, he was an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of Dorsey & Whitney LLP. Brian is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and worked as a consultant on state tax issues for the Colville Tribes prior to entering the legal profession. | 