Native Law PLLC works with tribes and tribal governments to advance tribal interests and protect tribal rights. This work is complex and often involves intersections between tribal, federal, and state legal systems.

Diana Bob is the founder of Native Law and an enrolled member of the Lummi Nation. She has served as in-house counsel to tribes and as a Staff Attorney for the National Congress of American Indians. Her experience in tribal law and Indian law is extensive and varied, and she has an in-depth understanding of the internal workings of tribal governments and how they relate to federal and state governments, policies, and treaties.

Tribal Governance

Each tribe has its own system of government over the tribe’s internal affairs and its interactions with federal and state governments. Ms. Bob has an in-depth understanding of the internal processes of tribal governments and advises tribes on tribal law. She also works with tribes to protect and advance treaty and subsistence rights and other trust assets. Ms. Bob also supports tribes on self-governance compacts and contracts and related implementation. She advises on best practices for tribal council procedures, tribal constitutional standards, and organization of tribal justice systems.

In addition, Ms. Bob supports tribes in drafting and amending tribal laws. She has experience drafting tribal codes for various topics like: enrollment, elections, housing, water resources, water quality standards, land use, land consolidation, probate, education, liquor and cannabis. She also works with elected tribal leaders to comply with tribal constitutions to establish new tribal laws.

Ms. Bob is frequently called upon to counsel and advise clients on strategies tribes should consider when entering into agreements with federal, state, and local governments. She understands the unique approaches to negotiating and implementing intergovernmental agreements and implementing federal grants. Ms. Bob understands the changing case law and duties of the state and federal governments as they relate to tribal interests. Known for her commitment to ethical practice and her deep knowledge of tribal law and tribal governance, Ms. Bob offers knowledgeable, straightforward advice and principled, pragmatic advocacy.