David McCullough is nationally-recognized for his representation of Native American Tribes. For more than 25 years, David has represented Indian Tribes and Tribal enterprise interests, including gaming, SBA 8(a), HubZone, small disadvantaged businesses and TERO certifications. In recent years, David has made numerous presentations detailing opportunities for non-Indian individuals and companies doing business in Indian country. David also practices in the area of Media/First Amendment Law.
Before joining Doerner, David spent five years as a newspaper reporter and editor. While in law school, David participated in an internship at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press in Washington, D.C. In 1996, he received the Society of Professional Journalists First Amendment Award. David is a founding member and sits on the board of directors of FOI Oklahoma, Inc. an organization that promotes citizen access to government information. He has also authored the Oklahoma Open Government Guide as part of the 50 State Open Government Guide published by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
- Successfully defended Indian tribe who, along with its 100% owned tribal enterprise, was sued in federal court for breach of contract. The case against the tribe was dismissed on the doctrine of tribal sovereign immunity from suit.
- Successfully defended Indian tribal enterprise and a tribal employee in a discrimination and retaliation suit brought by a former enterprise employee. The case against the tribal enterprise was dismissed on the doctrine of tribal sovereign immunity from suit.
- Represented a number of Indian tribes in administrative proceedings before a state tax commission for recovery of certain taxes that had been wrongfully collected by the state. The tribes recovered a total of more than $500,000 in taxes wrongfully collected by the state.
- Represented a group of tribal members who had been elected to the Business Committee of the tribe but were being denied their right to set on the Business Committee. Appeals were lodged with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of the Interior. The tribal members were finally recognized by the Department of the Interior as the duly-elected members of the Business Committee.
- General Counsel to an Indian tribe that successfully opened an off-reservation casino. Represented the Tribe in numerous administrative appeals and participated in a number of federal court cases to secure the right of the tribe to open the casino.
- Represented a number of Indian tribes who entered into management contracts for management of tribal casinos. Representation included negotiating the management agreements and securing approval of the agreements from the National Indian Gaming Commission.
- Advisory Board Member (and founding member) of FOI Oklahoma, Inc. – an organization that promotes citizen access to government information.
- Oklahoma Bar Association, current
- American Bar Association, current
- Chambers USA Leading Lawyer for Business-Native American Law, 2010-2019
- Listed in Best Lawyers for First Amendment Law, Gaming Law and Native American Law, 2010-2020
- Best Lawyers – Oklahoma City Gaming Law “Lawyer of the Year”, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019
- AV® Distinguished™ Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating
- Attended Oxford University, Queens College, Oxford, England, Summer 1982