Attorney Fees Indian Rights

Attorney Fee funds are for legal fees (not expenses) of private legal counsel to be retained by the tribes to represent litigation, negotiations, or administrative proceedings that involve the protection of tribal trust resources or tribal rights. Th

Attorney Fee funds are for legal fees (not expenses) of private legal counsel to be retained by the tribes to represent litigation, negotiations, or administrative proceedings that involve the protection of tribal trust resources or tribal rights. These funds are used to provide assistance to tribes to obtain legal representation in situations where the United States cannot represent them as authorized in 25 U.S.C. 175. The funds are distributed in accordance with regulations governing the expenditure of appropriated funds for the fees of private attorneys representing tribes, and the eligibility requirements are found in 25 U.S.C. 89. Approved funding for this program has been set at a rate not to exceed $200.00 per hour.

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments.

Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and their members.

These funds are used to provide assistance to tribes to obtain legal representation in situations where the United States cannot represent them as authorized in 25 U.S.C. 175. The funds are distributed in accordance with regulations governing the expenditure of appropriated funds for the fees of private attorneys representing tribes, and the eligibility requirements are found in 25 U.S.C. 89. Bureau policy determines the attorney fee hourly rates.

These funds are used to provide assistance to tribes to obtain legal representation in situations where the United States cannot represent them as authorized in 25 U.S.C. 175. The funds are distributed in accordance with regulations governing the expenditure of appropriated funds for the fees of private attorneys representing tribes, and the eligibility requirements are found in 25 U.S.C. 89. Bureau policy determines the attorney fee hourly rates.

Awards are made on an annual basis and the funds remain available until expended for the legal services specified in the contractor/grantee application.

Informal preapplication conference is recommended. Technical assistance in preparing the application is available upon request.

Cases must first have been turned down by the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, and then can be submitted for review to the Attorney Review Committee for a recommendation to the Assistant Secretary for approval.

SAM.gov just limitted to 2000 character the following is what was posted in SAM.gov Attorney Fee funds may be used only for legal fees (not expenses) of private legal counsel retained by tribes to represent them in litigation, negotiations, or administrative proceedings involving the protection of tribal trust resources or tribal rights. Although the Department of the Interior generally does not use federally appropriated funds to pay for private counsel representing Indian tribes, 25 CFR 89.40 provides limited exceptions. To qualify, a request must fully satisfy at least one exception listed in 25 CFR 89.41, identify the applicable exception(s), and explain how each is met. Approved funding is limited to a maximum rate of $200 per hour. Each request must include: 1. Historical background and other relevant information leading to the current matter. 2. A concise description of the issue and scope of work for which attorney fee funding is requested, including anticipated court dates, negotiation timelines, litigation schedules, or other relevant timeframes. 3. A detailed cost breakdown, including services to be provided, estimated attorney hours, hourly rates, and total costs. Requests must also include a tribal resolution, copies of legal counsel contracts, and a current comprehensive financial income statement demonstrating whether the tribe can pay all or part of the legal costs. 4. A Regional Solicitor's opinion regarding the tribe's request. 5. A certificate or statement from the attorney's bar association confirming the attorney is a member in good standing. 6. A memorandum from the Regional Director endorsing the tribe's request for Attorney Fees/Litigation Support funding. Agency and regional office program staff must review each request and provide recommendations and supporting information to assist the Attorney Fee Review Committee in determining an appropriate funding amount.

Applications will be processed within 90 days.

A new application is required each year.

An unsuccessful applicant may request an informal conference with the deciding official.