Brian K. Nichols

Brian K. Nichols is Of Counsel at Modrall Sperling in Albuquerque whose practice centers on federal Indian law and litigation, including matters in tribal courts. He advises clients on issues involving energy, natural resources, transportation, employment, and business relationships with tribal nations. His work includes helping companies understand jurisdictional questions, tribal law, regulatory considerations, and litigation risk when operating on tribal lands or conducting business with tribal governments and enterprises.

Brian earned a J.D. from Georgia State University, summa cum laude, where he served on the Editorial Board of the Georgia State University Law Review. He received a B.A. in Economics from Earlham College with college and departmental honors, Phi Beta Kappa recognition, and the Charles Stinneford Award for Excellence in Economics. His academic background supports detailed analysis of complex jurisdictional, commercial, employment, and natural resources issues involving tribal nations.

Brian has served as lead counsel in trials in federal, state, and tribal courts and as a lead negotiator in labor negotiations. He advises clients in negotiations with tribal nations and on business activities involving tribal lands and governments. As a member of the Navajo Nation Bar, he regularly handles matters involving Navajo law and appears before Navajo courts and agencies, giving clients experience across overlapping legal systems and forums.

Brian K. Nichols has received nationwide recognition from Chambers USA for Native American Law and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2014, including Albuquerque Native American Law Lawyer of the Year in 2018. His practice combines litigation, negotiation, and counseling across Indian law, energy, transportation, employment, and natural resources matters. He helps clients address jurisdictional complexity while developing practical strategies for disputes, transactions, and ongoing relationships involving tribal nations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Modrall Sperling Law Firm
• Member, State Bar of New Mexico
• Member, State Bar of Arizona
• Rules Committee, Navajo Bar Association
• Board Member, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains

Licensed State

• New Mexico
• Arizona

Education

• Georgia State University
  Juris Doctor (JD) (Summa Cum Laude)
• Earlham College
  B.A. in Economics, College and Departmental Honors

Awards & Badges