Allyson G. Saunders, is a partner in the Indian law practice group with extensive experience in the area of Tribal economic development and financing. Ms. Saunders has advised tribes and their economic development entities as outside special and general counsel, and is experienced in all aspects of economic development on Indian lands, emphasizing in the negotiation, financing and construction of complex real estate, casino and resort developments, as well as financing transactions in connection with such developments. She has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating construction contracts and construction‑related agreements, as well as loan agreements, offering memoranda and all forms of financing-related agreements. Ms. Saunders' practice has included representation of owners, underwriters, institutional lenders, developers, and retail and office landlords in connection with sophisticated real estate and finance transactions both on and off Indian lands.
Ms. Saunders has assisted tribal clients in the formation of political subdivisions and unincorporated instrumentalities as stand-alone financing and development instrumentalities of their tribal parent in order to obtain financing and protect tribal assets. She has drafted tribal ordinances, resolutions and charter documents in furtherance of such entities.
Ms. Saunders has been involved in financing transactions or related matters for Indian tribes or investment banks in connection with such tribes as the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians, the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians, the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, the Pueblo of Pojoaque, and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, and has assisted in long-term financings in Indian Country totaling almost $2 billion.
Ms. Saunders is a frequent panelist and speaker on such topics as tribal sovereignty, finance and development in Indian Country.