Practice Areas

Federal Indian,
and Tribal Law

Complex
Civil Litigation

Gary's highlights:
‍» Five-Star Attorney Rating (Martindale-Avvo)
‍» Served as the defense counsel for Gene Hart in the infamous 1977 Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders trial
» He was instrumental in the growth and development of Tribal Gaming in Oklahoma

Gary Pitchlynn is a luminary in Native American Law and advocacy. Born and raised in Oklahoma, he earned his Juris Doctor(J.D.) from Oklahoma City University in 1977 and has been litigating ever since. Today, Gary continues to represent tribes, business, and individuals in courtin a wide-variety of matters, and he maintains a five-star attorney rating according to Martindale-Avvo.

While Gary has an illustrious career spanning over 39 years specializing in Native American Law, he has also been involved in other high-profile cases. For example, he served as the defense counsel for Gene Hart in the infamous 1977 Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders trial. Despite the complexities and public scrutiny surrounding the case, Gary successfully argued that the evidence against Hart had been planted, leading to Hart's acquittal. This case highlights Gary's ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and achieve favorable outcomes for his clients.

He has provided invaluable advice and representation to a diverse range of business clients and tribal governments. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in Indian Gaming Law. A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Pitchlynn has been instrumental in the growth and development of Tribal Gaming in Oklahoma and across the United States since the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was enacted in 1988.

Outside the courtroom, Gary serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Oklahoma, where he teaches courses on Indian Gaming Law and Regulation. He has also been a frequent guest presenter and panelist, providing an expert’s perspective on topics such as Federal Indian Law & Policy, Tribal Sovereignty, and Tribal Gaming Law and Regulation. His works have been published in various legal periodicals and trade journals.

All Rise! is not the only organization to recognize Gary’s talent. He was chosen to serve as the first Chairman of the Board of Visitors for the Native American Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma. Over the years, he has recruited, employed, and developed numerous law students from the American Indian Law Review staff, who have worked in his practice as law clerks or young associates before moving on to other prestigious positions.

Gary is a member of multiple tribal bar associations in Oklahoma and beyond. He is licensed to practice before many tribal courts, all Federal District Courts in Oklahoma, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. For unparalleled expertise in Native American law or any other matter requiring a proven track record in the courtroom, Gary Pitchlynn is an attorney you can trust.