PRACTICE AREAS
Water Law
Water means life in the arid West. This is true for farmers, fish, ranchers, and cities. Water is a kind of property right that must be both used beneficially and protected. Whether you have pre-1973 water rights that are being adjudicated in the Water Court or you seek a change of use through the DNRC permit process, your water right is a valuable property asset that we can help you protect.
property law
Have you seen a real estate advertisement like this before? "Ranch for Sale with 1868 water rights." Did you wonder just how valuable those water rights really are? Evaluating the quality of the water rights on a property requires a due diligence analysis that examines the current and historical use of the water. It is also vital to understand a water right's priority relationship with other rights on the source. We can produce a due diligence report of this kind that is beneficial for both sellers and buyers.
natural resource law
Our relationship with the natural world is governed by an increasingly complicated and dynamic set of rules, regulations, codes, and laws. Navigating this regulatory landscape is essential to getting projects done, but it takes expertise and time. If you find yourself frustrated by the regulatory thicket, we can apply our time and expertise to your problem to find a solution.
Land use planning
Land use planning disputes are where the property rights rubber meets the Constitutional road. Owners have a right to develop their property and political subdivisions have a right to regulate for the health and welfare of their citizens. This dynamic requires a balancing act between rights and responsibilities and an understanding of the law.