Professional Experience
Luis Ochoa has over 25 years of legal experience and specializes in real estate, Indian law, tribal housing, gaming, business entity formation, real estate development, leasing of non-tribal fee land, tribal trust and allotted land, the application of federal and state tax laws to tribal activities and economic development projects undertaken by tribes, tribal members, and non-Indian business clients. His experience includes:
- Representation of two of the nation’s largest tribally designated housing entities.
- Compliance with the requirements of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA).
- Federal and state gaming law with emphasis on Indian gaming and Arizona and National Indian Gaming Commission regulatory issues.
- Negotiated and represented the first tribe in Arizona to enter into a gaming compact with the State of Arizona.
- Representing tribal gaming commissions/offices and casino management entities in regulatory and operations matters.
- Advising nonprofit entities regarding corporate and tax issues, including obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status, unrelated business income tax planning and compliance, fundraising registration and risk management issues.
Education and Honors
- University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law (J.D., 1986)
- University of Arizona (B.S., 1983)
Bar Admissions
Arizona,
1986
Court Admissions
Pascua Yaqui Tribal Court, 2006
Tohono O'odham Nation Tribal Court, 2006
Tonto Apache Tribal Court, 2005
U.S. Tax Court, 1987
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1986
Professional Recognition
- Recipient of the University of Arizona College of Law Distinguished Alumnus Convocation Award (2008).
- ABA Pro Bono Publico Award (2002).
- William E. Morris Pro Bono Service Award (Arizona Bar Foundation/State Bar of Arizona, 2001).
- Arizona Community Legal Foundation Attorney of the Year (Southern Arizona Legal Aid/Volunteer Lawyers Program, 2000).
- Arizona Community Legal Foundation Attorney of the Year (Southern Arizona Legal Aid/Volunteer Lawyers Program, 1999).
- Bankruptcy Clinic Attorney of the Year (Southern Arizona Legal Aid/Volunteer Lawyers Program, 1997 and 1998).
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (2007-2012: Gaming Law, Native American Law; 2007-present: Non-Profit/Charities Law).
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Peer Review Rated.
Professional and Civic Activities
- University of Arizona Intercollegiate Athletics Committee (2008-present).
- Board of Directors, 88-Crime (Crimestoppers).
- Southern Arizona Legal Aid (Volunteer Lawyers Program: Advisory Committee).
- William Morris Foundation (Board of Directors).
- Governor’s Character Education Commission (Commissioner, April 1999-2003).
- Tohono Chul Park (Board of Directors, 2000-2006).
- Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (Vice President & Board of Directors, October 1998-2004).
- Crime Prevention Council (Board of Directors, 1996-2002).
- Tucson Centers for Women and Children (Board of Directors, 1989-1992).