Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP - Oakland, CA
Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary and Cohen LLP is an Oakland, California law firm established in 2006, delivering counsel in federal Indian law, tribal economic development, land-into-trust acquisitions, employment and labor compliance, and business litigation across California and nationwide.
Comprehensive Legal Advocacy for Tribal Sovereignty and Enterprise
Navigating the complex intersection of federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and commercial transactions demands counsel with specialized statutory knowledge and decades of trusted government advocacy. Based in downtown Oakland at 1970 Broadway, Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary and Cohen LLP serves sovereign Native American tribes, tribal enterprises, gaming commissions, and housing authorities throughout California and across the United States. Founded in 2006 by veteran attorneys with over 125 years of combined experience, the firm stands as a premier authority in protecting tribal self-governance and advancing sustainable economic progress.
Whether tribal leaders need to find a lawyer to handle intricate fee-to-trust real estate acquisitions or hire an attorney to resolve high-stakes commercial disputes, the firm provides tailored, strategic legal counsel. The firm serves as general counsel and special litigation advocates, representing tribal governments in administrative hearings, California state courts, and federal tribunals, up to the United States Supreme Court.
Tribal Gaming Commissions and Commercial Enterprise Development
Tribal economic diversification is essential to self-determination, and gaming facilities remain key economic engines for tribal nations. Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary and Cohen advises independent tribal gaming commissions and tribal governments on all regulatory, operational, and licensing matters. Practice areas include:
- Establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
- Drafting, negotiating, and updating tribal-state gaming compacts and intergovernmental agreements
- Structuring commercial contracts, vendor agreements, and major resort financing packages
- Advising on corporate governance and business formation for tribal economic development corporations
- Ensuring full compliance with the National Indian Gaming Commission regulations
Trust Land Acquisition, Real Estate, and Housing
Securing and expanding tribal homelands requires meticulous legal coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and local municipal agencies. As experienced commercial real estate lawyers, the firm has guided numerous tribes through complex fee-to-trust applications for reservation expansion, cultural preservation, and commercial initiatives. Additionally, the firm assists tribal housing authorities with Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act compliance, landlord tenant policies, construction contracts, and residential property leasing.
Tribal Employment and Labor Relations
Managing large-scale governmental operations and commercial resort enterprises requires modern, defensible employment practices. As knowledgeable employment and labor lawyers, the firm helps tribal employers draft personnel policies, navigate sovereign immunity defenses in employment claims, resolve workplace discrimination grievances, and maintain compliance with wage and hour regulations. The firm also assists management in handling collective bargaining demands and labor union organizing drives while fiercely defending tribal jurisdiction.
Family Protection and Indian Child Welfare Act Advocacy
Beyond economic development, the firm is passionately committed to protecting tribal families and communities. The firm represents tribes in Indian Child Welfare Act proceedings across state and county courts, ensuring tribal children remain connected to their culture and heritage. When tribal councils or enterprises need an urgent attorney to defend sovereignty or review vital contracts, Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary and Cohen delivers unwavering advocacy rooted in mutual respect and proven results.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the Uptown Oakland business district, situated at the active intersection of Broadway and 19th Street.
Building Location
Housed in The Golden West Tower Building, an eleven-story office tower with a recently renovated lobby and floor-to-ceiling windows. The building is situated near local dining favorites like Golden Lotus Vegetarian and Tita Becca's.
Parking Details
Paid public parking is available in the secure underground Golden West Tower Garage located directly beneath the building, managed by Douglas Parking.
Public Transit
Served by AC Transit Route NL (San Francisco); nearest stop is at Thomas L. Berkley Way & Webster Street.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter through the main lobby from Broadway or use the direct building entrance from the 19th Street BART mezzanine level, then take the passenger elevator to the eighth floor to locate Suite 825.