Johnathon (“JR”) Loera is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation and an attorney practicing Federal Indian Law, with a focus on tribal governance, economic development, and commercial transactions. He advises tribal governments and tribal enterprises on legal, regulatory, and operational matters and joined the firm in 2024.

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JR works closely with tribal leadership on governance matters, including drafting tribal resolutions, ordinances, and codes, and advising on tribal employment law, personnel policies, and the application of federal and state labor laws to tribal entities. He represents tribal TERO departments and has experience with Indian preference, commercial regulation, and business activity in the oil and gas sector.

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A significant portion of JR’s practice is dedicated to tribal economic development, including investment management, portfolio governance, and commercial transactions. He has served as primary counsel on tribal investment portfolios exceeding $500 million and has worked with national banking and investment institutions.

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JR also has substantial experience in tribal internet gaming and online sports betting, including negotiating and implementing gaming agreements, advising on federal and state gaming regulations, and supporting the launch and ongoing compliance of tribal gaming operations. His practice is shaped by his cultural upbringing and strong commitment to tribal sovereignty, with a focus on supporting tribal leadership and addressing the legal and economic challenges facing tribal nations.

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JR was raised in Lawton, Oklahoma, in the heart of Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache country. Outside of work, he enjoys University of Oklahoma athletics, the Oklahoma City Thunder, outdoor activities in Colorado, and reading non-fiction on history and economics.

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Education
University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., American Indian Law Certificate (2019)
University of Oklahoma, B.A., Political Science & Native American Studies (2016)

 

Admissions
Colorado · Utah · U.S. District Court (Utah) · Ute Indian Tribal Court