If you've been following the whirlwind of legal news in Oklahoma lately, you've definitely heard the name Mike McBride III. Or maybe you're just wondering why everyone in the legal community is talking about him again. Honestly, it's a bit of a rollercoaster. He isn't just another lawyer in a suit; he's basically been at the center of the biggest sovereignty battles our state has seen in a century.
Most folks know him as the guy who chairs the Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group at Crowe & Dunlevy. But there's a lot more to the story than just a fancy title at a big firm. From the seismic shift of the McGirt decision to recent headlines about state-tribal compacts, McBride has been the go-to expert—and sometimes the person actually in the crosshairs of the headlines himself.
The McGirt Aftermath and the "Stroble" Shockwaves
Basically, Oklahoma is currently in a "Post-McGirt" reality. If you remember 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that a huge chunk of eastern Oklahoma is actually Indian Country. McBride was one of the loudest voices explaining what that meant for criminal cases. But fast forward to late 2025 and early 2026, and the fight has moved from "who goes to jail" to "who pays taxes."
The big news recently involves the Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission case. In July 2025, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dropped a massive ruling. They basically said that just because a tribe has a reservation for criminal law (thanks to McGirt), it doesn't mean the state can't tax tribal members living on that same land.
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McBride's take on this? He's been pretty open about how this "flips" the script. He recently noted that the current U.S. Supreme Court is "not the same" as the one that decided McGirt. He's pointing out that with the shift in justices, the era of big wins for tribal sovereignty might be facing a serious chill. It's a sobering thought for tribal leaders who thought the 2020 ruling was a permanent finish line.
That Time the Bar Association Stepped In
You can't talk about Michael McBride III news in Oklahoma without addressing the elephant in the room. Even the best legal minds have human moments, and McBride's personal struggles have occasionally spilled into the public record.
Back in 2021, the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) took action following some alcohol-related legal issues. The state Supreme Court actually upped the ante on his discipline, moving from a recommended deferred suspension to a full one-year suspension.
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It was a tough chapter. But interestingly, the legal community didn't turn its back. If you look at the court records, you'll see letters from other lawyers and judges describing him as a "mentor" and a "talented lawyer." It's one of those rare cases where professional respect stayed high even when personal life hit a snag. He's since returned to practice, and his expertise in tribal gaming is arguably more in demand now than it was before the hiatus.
Stitt vs. Drummond: The Compact Fight
Lately, McBride has been right in the middle of the "who's the boss" fight between Governor Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond. This isn't just political theater; it’s about who gets to sign the deals for tribal gaming.
- The Core Dispute: Who represents Oklahoma's interests in federal court when it comes to tribal compacts?
- McBride's Role: As an attorney for the Comanche Nation, he's been vocal about how this power struggle affects real-world business.
- The Stake: If the Governor wins, he has more leverage to negotiate "his way." If Drummond wins, the AG can intervene whenever he thinks the state is getting a raw deal.
McBride pointed out to KOSU that whatever the state Supreme Court decides here will have a "broad effect" far beyond just one casino or one tribe. It’s about the very structure of Oklahoma's government power.
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Why This Matters to You (Even If You Aren't a Lawyer)
You might think, "Why do I care about tribal jurisdiction?" Well, if you live in Oklahoma, it affects everything. Your sales tax, your car tags, and even who comes to your door if there’s a dispute—it all hinges on these legal definitions McBride spends his days dissecting.
Honestly, the state-tribal relationship in Oklahoma is kinda like a messy divorce where both parties still have to live in the same house. McBride is one of the few people who actually knows where all the property lines are drawn.
What to Watch for Next
The "Indian Country" definition is still evolving. Keep an eye on the following:
- Income Tax Appeals: Watch if the Stroble case actually makes it to the U.S. Supreme Court. McBride has warned that "the stakes will be raised" if that happens.
- Gaming Compact Renewals: Several major deals are on the horizon. McBride's firm, Crowe & Dunlevy, usually has a seat at those tables.
- Legislative Shifts: Look for the Oklahoma legislature to try and "codify" some of these court wins to limit tribal authority before the courts change their minds again.
If you're looking to dive deeper into the specific filings or want to see the latest briefs McBride has filed for his tribal clients, your best bet is to check the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) or the official Crowe & Dunlevy newsroom for their latest white papers on tribal sovereignty. Staying informed on these jurisdictional shifts is the only way to navigate the changing business landscape in the 405 and 918.