Andrew Adams III is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and a member of the Tvlahasse Wvkokaye Ceremonial Grounds. He advises tribal governments and enterprises nationwide on federal Indian law, tribal constitutional governance, sovereign immunity issues, tribal land tenure, gaming compacts, high-stakes litigation, complex transactions, tax issues affecting tribal governments and individual members, and treaty hunting, fishing, and gathering rights.
Andrew has briefed and argued cases in tribal, state, and federal courts across the country. Notably, in Mestek, he successfully argued a sovereign immunity appeal before the Seventh Circuit, persuading the court to adopt a bright-line arm-of-the-tribe rule for tribally owned entities, guidance that now shapes how courts analyze immunity for tribal instrumentalities. He has also led negotiations, on behalf to tribal clients, securing multiple gaming compact amendments.
Beyond litigation, Andrew maintains an extensive practice helping tribal councils, election boards, and enterprises strengthen internal governance. He drafts and revises constitutions and charters, codes and ordinances (election, enrollment, courts, ethics, business entities, tax, environmental), and standard operating procedures. He has advised on separation-of-powers issues, ethical complaints, and delegated authorities for tribal officials.
Andrew currently serves as Chief Justice for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Supreme Court, Justice for the Gun Lake Tribal Supreme Court, and Justice for the Pechanga Appellate Court. Andrew has regularly lectured on Indian-law issues at seminars and conferences nationally.
Andrew enjoys time with his children and family, golf and the outdoors, coaching youth sports, traveling, stomp dances and powwows, and running.
