MARK A. LEVITAN – Partner Sonora, California phone: 209.533.0885 fax: 916.441.2067 email: email me

Mr. Levitan joined the firm in 2002 and became a partner in 2006.

PRACTICE AREAS: Tribal government; gaming development; non-gaming economic development; land-into-trust; tribal sovereignty; tax; natural resources; environmental and cultural preservation; acknowledgment and recognition.

ADMISSIONS: California; New Mexico; Navajo Nation; U.S. District Courts for the Central and Eastern Districts of California.

EDUCATION: The George Washington University School of Law (J.D., 1996); Brandeis University (B.A. 1991).

LEGAL EXPERIENCE: Attorney, California Indian Legal Services, Bishop, California; Attorney, DNA-People's Legal Services, Shiprock, Navajo Nation; and Legal Intern, Indian Law Resource Center, Washington, D.C.

ASSOCIATIONS: California State Bar Association; New Mexico State Bar Association; Navajo Nation Bar Association; Navajo Nation Bar Association Admissions Committee (1997-1999); Legal Counsel for the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers.

Mr. Levitan assists numerous tribes with tribal governance, including drafting and amending constitutions, enrollment ordinances, election ordinances, and other aspects of self-government. Mr. Levitan represents tribes in all aspects of gaming development, including the negotiation of agreements for development, management, construction and consulting services, the assertion of jurisdiction over land for purposes of conducting gaming, the negotiation of compacts, and environmental mitigation. Mr. Levitan has successfully represented clients in obtaining over 1000 acres in trust through the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ 25 CFR 151 process. Mr. Levitan assists tribes with economic development projects such as fuel stations, with land acquisition, and with various tax-related matters. Mr. Levitan represents tribes in the negotiation of Memoranda of Understanding with cities and counties, and in the implementation of such agreements. Mr. Levitan has additional significant experience in the areas of allotments, construction, federal recognition, housing, employment, cultural resources, and environmental issues.

Mr. Levitan provides pro bono legal assistance to the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, an alliance of indigenous spiritual elders from around the world dedicated to the work of peace and sustainability.