The International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) board of directors recently elected D. Michael McBride III as second executive vice president for the organization. One of only two general members from Oklahoma, McBride serves as Crowe & Dunlevy’s Indian Law & Gaming practice group chair in the firm’s Tulsa office. He previously served as IMGL treasurer.
“Mike continues to provide outstanding leadership for our Indian Law & Gaming practice group and the IMGL,” said Kevin D. Gordon, president and CEO of the firm. “This election to a senior-level role with IMGL is further testament to his dedication to and expertise in gaming law.”
IMGL is an invitation-only, nonprofit organization focused on scholarship, ethics and professionalism in the gaming industry. Comprised of general members, accountants, regulators, consultants, gaming executives, educators and young lawyers from around the world, it is a peer-reviewed organization. Founded in 2001, IMGL has 354 members and represents more than 44 countries as well as members in 39 states and territories in the United States.
A trial, appellate and business lawyer with two decades of experience, McBride is a sought-after and trusted advisor with particular expertise in gaming, federal Indian law, litigation and complex transactions. He has tried more than 50 cases to conclusion in federal, tribal and state courts including numerous jury trials; as a Judge and Justice, he has adjudicated scores more and authored many published decisions. He excels in gaming regulatory matters, bet-the-tribe litigation, tribal government matters, economic development and regulatory matters. Corporations, investment funds and individuals have hired him as an expert consultant and as an expert witness in multiple federal state court cases to testify on Indian gaming matters.
McBride’s professional peers have recognized him in Chambers USA (2009 – present) in Band 1 for Native American law, and he was named a Star Individual in 2013 and 2015, the highest individual ranking awarded by Chambers. McBride has also been named in Oklahoma Super Lawyers for Indian law, gaming, political law and business litigation. He is recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Native American and gaming law and is A-V rated by Martindale-Hubbell. IMGL recognized McBride’s accomplishments with the President’s Cup Award in 2011.
He currently serves as attorney general of the Seminole Nation. McBride also served as justice of the Pawnee Nation Supreme Court from 2003 until 2012 and is the former attorney general to the Sac and Fox Nation. During his career, McBride has represented more than 20 Indian tribal governments or their entities, numerous corporations and individuals doing business with tribes. Active in bar leadership, McBride chaired the Federal Bar Association Indian Law section, served on the national Board of Directors and served as general counsel to the organization.
He is a graduate of Trinity University (B.A. 1989) and the University of Oklahoma (J.D. 1993), where he received many awards and academic distinctions.