The attorney who argued a tribal jurisdiction case before the U.S. Supreme Court could be tapped for a top post by president-elect Barack Obama.

David C. Frederick represented Ronnie and Lila Long in a dispute against a non-Indian bank. He argued that the courts of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota were the proper place to hear the dispute.

The Supreme Court disagreed and overturned a lower ruling that favored the Longs. Frederick, if tapped by Obama, would head up all Supreme Court litigation at the Department of Justice.

Get the Story:
Will Frederick be the next solicitor general? (Dolan Media Newswire 12/1)

Supreme Court Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion [Roberts] | Dissent [Ginsburg]

Relevant Documents:
Oral Argument Transcript | Docket Sheet: No. 07-411 | Briefs on the Merits

Appeals Court Decision:
Plains Commerce Bank v. Long Family Land and Cattle Company (June 26, 2007)

Lower Court Decision:
Plains Commerce Bank v. Long Family Land and Cattle Company (July 18, 2006)

Related Stories:
Supreme Court limits tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians (6/26)