Mark Horvath

Mark Horvath is a partner in Ocotillo Law and Policy Partners. He has represented Indian tribal governments for more than 30 years in all aspects of the law - but has focused on business and commercial matters for tribes for most of the last 20 years.  This includes gaming, commercial law, taxation, corporate issues, construction, real estate, employment law, licenses, leases, and finance. He has represented tribes in gaming matters since 1994, including negotiating gaming compacts in Arizona for the 2002 Compacts and the 2020 amendments.  

Mark negotiates complex multi-million dollar commercial documents including purchase and sale agreements, licenses and leases. Recently, he successfully assembled and worked with a team to create a joint venture partnership to purchase a 140+ acre shopping center.  For complex commercial projects, Mark has found that assembling the right team, and cooperatively working with that team, is the key to overall success. 

On behalf of tribal clients, he has negotiated construction agreements for a new casino, a resort, golf courses and many other construction projects.  For example, he successfully oversaw and worked with a cross-functional team for the development of a new casino including negotiating complex construction documents for the project and overseeing and assisting separate lending counsel. In addition to his on-reservation work, Mark has negotiated the purchase and sale agreements for off-reservation projects such as resorts and a ready-mix construction company.  He currently represents a multi-state cement company. 

Immediately prior to joining Ocotillo Law and Policy Partners, Mark served as in-house counsel for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for approximately 6 years, primarily representing Salt River’s enterprises but also served as the Acting General Counsel for more than eight months.  Prior to Salt River, Mark operated his own practice for over 20 years, specializing in tribal law and clients, again focusing on commercial matters.  Prior to his private practice, Mark created and ran the in-house legal department at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and before that worked for Four Rivers Indian Legal Services. 

Education

SANDRA DAY O’CONNER SCHOOL OF LAW, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Juris Doctor 1992

W.P. CAREY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
B.S., Business 1987

Bar Admissions

Arizona, California, & Nebraska (inactive)