Steve Brander, Of Counsel

As Of Counsel at High Plains Law LLC, Steve Brander brings more than a decade of federal legal experience, with a focus on health care and tribal law. He earned his law degree in 2011 from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Since then, Steve has built a distinguished career, including eleven years of service with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the General Counsel (OGC). While at OGC, he served as primary counsel to the Great Plains Area Office of the Indian Health Service. In that role, he developed deep expertise in Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) contracting and compacting.

Throughout his career, Steve has gained extensive experience negotiating ISDEAA agreements. His work includes contracts, compacts, annual funding agreements, multiyear funding agreements, funding tables, use agreements, 105(l) leases, and other related legal documents. He has also been involved in numerous negotiations and Contract Disputes Act (CDA) claims. These matters included secretarial amount funding and contract support costs (CSC), including CSC generated from third-party expenditures.

In addition to his ISDEAA work, he has represented the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a wide range of regulatory and compliance matters. His legal experience includes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labour Act. It also covers the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, as well as Medicare and Medicaid regulations. In addition, he regularly works with other federal statutes and regulatory frameworks.

Beyond regulatory matters, Steve has advised on medical professional credentialing, medical staff bylaws, accreditation, risk management, and federal audits. He is recognised for his collaborative approach and his commitment to supporting tribal self-determination and effective health care delivery.

He also maintains strong professional relationships with colleagues in both the public and private sectors, These include current and former members of the Indian Health Service and tribal leadership. He is licensed to practise law in Colorado. He is also authorised to practise federal law nationwide, including ISDEAA matters. His practice focuses primarily on ISDEAA transactions and related legal concerns. He also supports a broad range of legal matters for tribal health departments.

Contact Steve at High Plains Law LLC to learn how his experience and dedication can support your organisation's legal needs.