Powers is excited to announce that Bryan Newland, former Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, has joined the firm as a Principal in its Indian Tribal Governments Group. Bryan brings a wealth of experience in federal Indian law, policy, and government relations, further strengthening the firm’s commitment to serving Indian tribal governments and organizations.
Bryan’s distinguished career includes serving as the Presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs from August 2021 to January 2025. During his tenure, he led the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, Bureau of Trust Funds Administration, and other key Indian affairs policy offices. He spearheaded the historic Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative and played a crucial role in the development of federal regulatory reforms for Indian lands, gaming compacts, and cultural resource protection.
“Powers is thrilled to expand the breadth and depth of our Tribal Practice with Bryan joining our team,” said Peter W. Thomas, Managing Partner of Powers. “He is an invaluable resource, not only for our tribal practice, but for all of our practice groups, including healthcare, education, and nonprofit law.”
Prior to his role at the Department of the Interior, Bryan served as President of the Bay Mills Indian Community, where he oversaw the day-to-day management of tribal government and enterprises, including the development of the first tribally licensed internet gaming operation in the United States. He also has extensive experience in tribal court, serving as Chief Judge for the
Bay Mills Indian Community Tribal Court.
“The Powers Law Firm has a proven track record of helping Indian tribes and their partners succeed,” said Bryan. “They have an incredible team of good people who do things the right way – putting their clients’ needs first. I felt a great chemistry with the team at Powers, and I’m excited to get to work with them to serve tribes and clients across the country.”
Bryan’s expertise includes federal legislative and regulatory matters, business planning, energy development, environmental law, gaming regulation, healthcare, and tribal self-governance. He holds a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
Learn more about Bryan here.