Water Law

Water is simple.  Water issues are complex.  Legal is an important perspective in water matters but rarely the only one.  That’s why we strategize with engineers, hydrologists, geologists, and water quality specialists to find solutions.  Our team-oriented approach is one way we help clients resolve issues and deliver value.

We work daily to protect and secure long-term supplies of surface, ground, reclaimed, and desalinated water for members of the water industry and their customers.  For more than 60 years, we have worked to preserve water rights, promote legislative interests, develop and finance essential infrastructure, recover costs of service, respond to regulatory initiatives and protect clients from potential liability.

We understand the unique California and federal laws and regulations that impact water from every possible perspective.  We represent watermasters, water districts, cities, utilities, developers, agricultural growers and processors, design-builders, operators, and local, regional, and state agencies.  We counsel them on a wide range of environmental, financing, water law, and water utility issues, including related litigation.

Our team includes an active Government Relations & Regulation practice in Sacramento and Washington, DC.  They help clients achieve legislative and administrative solutions to the legal, environmental, and political barriers related to permitting, construction, development, and project approval.  Working with our colleagues in the environment, land use, eminent domain, public finance, infrastructure, insurance recovery, and employment law arenas is crucial to serve our clients' diverse needs.

We are actively involved in advancing industry and professional organizations such as the Association of California Water Agencies, the California Water Association, the American Water Works Association, the American Groundwater Trust, the Water Education Foundation, the Groundwater Resources Association, and the Association of Ground Water Agencies.

Our attorneys and policy advisors provide timely and insightful updates on the water sector in California on our blog, California Water Views. We relay information on how water legislation and policy from the nation’s capital, Sacramento, and around the U.S. affect California’s water utilities, agencies, practitioners and consumers. We also write about important events, conferences, legal cases and other key happenings involving all things water in and around California. We invite you to subscribe so you don't miss our updates!

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