Rob Roy Edward Stuart Smith

Rob Roy Edward Stuart Smith is co-leader of the Native American Practice Group at Kilpatrick Townsend, where he exclusively practices federal Indian law. His work focuses on supporting tribal governments with matters involving sovereignty, economic growth, taxation, gaming, and natural and cultural resource protection.

Mr. Smith earned his J.D., cum laude, from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College in 2000, along with a Certificate in Natural Resources and Environment Law. He also holds a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross (1997). While in law school, he served as Editor in Chief of the Animal Law Review.

Mr. Smith has represented Indian tribes, businesses, and individuals in high-impact cases before tribal, state, and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He has defended sovereign immunity, treaty rights, and tribal jurisdiction while also advising on Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) matters and tribal public health responses like COVID-19 vaccine programs.

Mr. Smith is consistently recognized for his excellence. He was named the 2023 Seattle “Lawyer of the Year” for Native American Law by Best Lawyers in America® and has been listed by Chambers USA and Super Lawyers for over a decade. He also received the firm’s Pro Bono Collaboration Award for work on a civil rights case for a Native Hawaiian family.

Mr. Smith’s practice includes major financing deals, such as a $300 million+ credit facility for a tribal casino, high-stakes tax litigation, and complex RICO actions. Mr. Smith is also active in policy circles, serving on the Executive Council for Seattle University School of Law’s Center for Indian Law and Policy.

With his proven litigation record and dedication to tribal advancement, Rob Roy Edward Stuart Smith remains a leading figure in Native American legal advocacy nationwide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
• Member, Washington State Bar, Indian Law Section
• Member, Oregon State Bar, Indian Law Section
• Member, Lewis and Clark Law School
• Member, Marathon Maniac
• Co-Founder and Past Chair, Idaho State Bar, Indian Law Section
• Adjunct Professor, Federal Indian Law, Seattle University School of Law

Licensed State

• Washington
• Idaho
• Oregon

Education

• Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• College of the Holy Cross
  BA with Cum Laude

Awards & Badges