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McGirt Changed Everything in Tulsa. We Understand the New Reality.

The Supreme Court's McGirt decision reaffirmed that much of Tulsa sits within the Muscogee Creek Nation reservation. This has transformed the legal landscape.

Free ConsultationUnderstanding McGirt

Understanding Tribal Sovereignty in Tulsa

After McGirt, Tulsa has become ground zero for the most significant federal Indian law developments in a generation.

Tribal Sovereignty

The Muscogee Creek Nation is a sovereign government with its own courts, laws, and law enforcement.

Three-Sovereign System

Federal, state, and tribal law may all apply. Determining jurisdiction requires deep expertise.

Sovereign Immunity

Tribal nations cannot be sued without consent. Understanding when immunity applies is essential.

Tulsa at the Center of McGirt

Much of Tulsa—including downtown—is now recognized as being within the Muscogee Creek Nation reservation.

Muscogee Creek Nation

The MCN reservation covers much of Tulsa County. Downtown, Brookside, and many suburbs are within reservation boundaries.

Federal & Tribal Courts

More cases now go to U.S. District Court (Northern District) and MCN District Court. We practice in both.

Other Five Tribes

McGirt extended to Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole nations. Much of eastern Oklahoma is Indian Country.

Tribal Law Matters We Handle in Tulsa

From post-McGirt jurisdictional disputes to tribal business transactions, we provide strategic counsel on federal Indian law.

  • Jurisdictional Analysis

    Determining which court has authority in the post-McGirt landscape.

  • Tribal Business & Contracts

    Negotiating agreements with tribal enterprises and gaming operations.

  • Tribal Employment Issues

    Navigating TEROs and labor law in tribal workplaces.

  • Sovereign Immunity Matters

    Advising on immunity issues and strategies for claims involving tribes.

Learn More About Our Tribal Law Practice →
Tribal Law in Tulsa

Key Post-McGirt Considerations

Criminal Jurisdiction

  • Federal prosecution in Indian Country
  • Tribal court jurisdiction
  • State court over non-Indians
  • Cross-deputization

Civil & Business Issues

  • Tribal taxation and licensing
  • TERO compliance
  • Civil jurisdiction disputes
  • Regulatory requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

McGirt v. Oklahoma (2020) reaffirmed that the Muscogee Creek Nation reservation was never disestablished. Much of Tulsa—including downtown—is within the reservation for federal criminal jurisdiction purposes.
It can. McGirt's most direct impact is on criminal jurisdiction. Civil matters are more complex, and many disputes still proceed in state court. However, the jurisdictional analysis has become more complicated for everyone in Tulsa.
Tribal nations enjoy sovereign immunity unless waived. Individual tribal officials may be sued in some circumstances, and tribal businesses may have limited waivers. The analysis is highly fact-specific.
Businesses may face new regulatory considerations, including tribal taxation, TEROs, and licensing requirements. The full civil implications are still being sorted out in the courts.

McGirt Created New Questions. We Have Answers.

The post-McGirt legal landscape is complex and evolving. Contact us to discuss how these changes affect you.

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