Heather Sibbison

V. Heather Sibbison, chair of the Native American Affairs practice group and a member of the firm’s management committee, practices Federal Indian Law. She concentrates particularly in all matters related to fee-to-trust land acquisition (gaming and non-gaming), Indian lands, and compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. In addition, Ms. Sibbison is actively engaged in land claim and federal recognition issues. Working closely with other members of Patton Boggs’ Federal Indian practice group, she evaluates the merits of potential claims and petitions, and, where appropriate, negotiates and constructs workable settlements for clients. Her experience in these areas includes the legislative drafting necessary to settle claims and/or provide federal recognition. Together, her understanding of the land acquisition regulations (25 C.F.R. Part 151), strong grasp of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance issues, and thorough familiarity with all aspects of Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act enable Ms. Sibbison to assist clients in developing and implementing workable land-into-trust strategies. Before rejoining Patton Boggs in 2001, Ms. Sibbison served for nearly seven years in the Office of the Secretary at the Department of the Interior and at the Department of Justice (DOJ) as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Environment and Natural Resources, where her duties included management of settlement negotiations involving Indian land claims, treaty fishing rights, Indian gaming, and Indian water rights.