Steve Brander

Steve Brander is Of Counsel at High Plains Law LLC, bringing over a decade of federal legal experience with a focus on health care and tribal law. Since earning his law degree in 2011 from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, 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). During his tenure at OGC, he served as primary counsel to the Great Plains Area Office of the Indian Health Service, where he developed expertise in Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) contracting and compacting.

Steve has extensive experience negotiating ISDEAA agreements, including contracts, compacts, annual funding agreements, multiyear funding agreements, funding tables, use agreements, 105(l) leases, and other related legal documents.  Steve has been involved in numerous negotiations and Contract Disputes Act (CDA) claims concerning Secretarial amount funding and contract support costs (CSC), including CSC generated from third-party expenditures.

He has also represented the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a variety of regulatory and compliance matters. His legal acumen encompasses the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Medicare and Medicaid regulations, among other statutes and regulations.

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

Steve maintains strong professional relationships with colleagues in both the public and private sectors, including current and former members of IHS and tribal leadership. He is licensed to practice law in Colorado and is authorized to practice federal law—including ISDEAA matters—nationwide. His practice is dedicated primarily to ISDEAA transactions and related legal concerns, while also supporting 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 organization’s legal needs.