Issued by: Sovereign Energy 

Sovereign Energy seeks a highly qualified law firm or individual attorney(s) to provide comprehensive legal services in support of Sovereign Energy’s mission to advance clean energy, economic development, and the preservation of Tribal sovereignty. The selected firm or individual will be expected to support Sovereign Energy in various legal matters, with particular emphasis on Tribal energy law, environmental law, historic and cultural resource preservation law, federal contracting, policy compliance, intellectual property, governance, and Tribal data sovereignty in the context of energy development.

Scope of Work

The legal services required may include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

Organizational 

1. Sovereign Energy Operating Agreements & Contract Analysis

   • Partnership and Operating Agreements: Draft and review partnership and operating agreements between Sovereign Energy and Tribal Nations/entities to ensure alignment with Sovereign Energy’s goals and protect the interests of all parties involved.

   • Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Confidentiality Agreements: Draft, review, and negotiate NDAs and confidentiality agreements to safeguard sensitive information in all partnerships, agreements, and negotiations.

   • Contract Review and Legal Analysis: Provide legal analysis of contracts involving Tribes, ensuring compliance with relevant federal, state, and Tribal laws, and advising on potential risks, responsibilities, and opportunities.

   2. Sovereign Energy Intellectual Property & Licensing

   • Intellectual Property Licensing: Provide guidance on the protection, licensing, and commercialization of Sovereign Energy’s intellectual property, ensuring alignment with Tribal values and interests.

Programmatic 

1. Tribal Energy Project Pre-Development Support

   • Contract Review and Legal Analysis: Review and analyze RFPs, bids, and contracts with Tribes, organizations, developers, and project partners to ensure compliance with federal, state, and Tribal laws. Advise on potential risks, responsibilities, and opportunities.

2. Strategic Legal Counsel for Clean Energy & Economic Development

   • Strategic Legal Counsel: Provide legal guidance on clean energy, economic policy, and intergovernmental relations to advance Tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and energy independence. 

   • Legal Support for Strategic Initiatives: Provide legal guidance on clean energy, economic policy, and intergovernmental relations to advance Tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and energy independence.

3. Environmental, Historic, and Cultural Resource Preservation 

   • Tribal Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation Analysis: Advise on the intersection of environmental, cultural, and historic preservation law NEPA and NHPA requirements with Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural protections, ensuring that Tribal interests are fully represented in federal energy development.

   • Case Law and Precedent Review: Conduct research and provide legal analysis on relevant case law, precedents, and federal agency protocols, with a focus on their implications for Sovereign Energy’s projects.

   • Environmental and Cultural Assessment Review: Review Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), NHPA Section 106 reports, and other documents prepared under NEPA and NHPA to ensure compliance with Tribal consultation and cultural preservation requirements.

   • Technical Comments & Advocacy: Draft and review technical comments, objections, and recommendations on proposed federal energy projects, ensuring that Tribal concerns regarding cultural, historical, and environmental resources are adequately addressed.

   • Legal Memo & Impact Statements: Assist in preparing legal analyses, memos, and impact statements that assess the potential effects of proposed projects and strategic advocacy options for Tribes. 

   • Informational Materials Development: Assist in the development of white papers, briefings, and other informational resources to empower Tribal communities to engage effectively in federal energy development and Tribal consultation processes. 

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include, at a minimum, the following:

1. Firm or Attorney Profile: Background information, including relevant experience in Tribal energy law, NEPA, NHPA, intellectual property, and other relevant practice areas.

2. Proposed Team or Individual: If submitting as a firm, identify key personnel who will be assigned to this engagement and their qualifications. If submitting as an individual, provide detailed information on your qualifications and experience.

3. Experience in Tribal Law: Specific experience working with Tribal Nations, understanding of Tribal sovereignty, and experience with federal agencies, particularly in the context of energy and environmental law.

4. Writing Sample: Please provide a recent writing sample that demonstrates your legal analysis and drafting skills, such as a memorandum, legal brief, or other relevant document. If the sample contains any confidential or privileged information, kindly redact those portions. The writing sample should reflect your ability to address complex legal issues relevant to the scope of this engagement.

5. Fee Structure: A detailed fee structure, including hourly rates, retainer fees, and any other relevant costs associated with providing the requested legal services.

6. References: Contact information for at least three references who can speak to the firm’s or individual’s ability to provide legal services in areas relevant to this RFP.

Contact Information

For inquiries or clarifications regarding this RFP, please contact Mayane Barudin, Executive Director, at

mayane@sovereignenergy.org with the email title “Sovereign Energy Legal Services RFP: Question.”

For submitting proposals, please submit email by February 28th, 2025 to Mayane Barudin, Executive Director, at mayane@sovereignenergy.org with the email title “Sovereign Energy Legal Services RFP: Proposal.”

We look forward to receiving your proposals and finding a partner who can support Sovereign Energy at this critical stage in our organization’s journey as we work towards our mission of advancing Tribal energy sovereignty.