Steve first developed his love for western water and land issues during his boyhood in Colorado. He spent many weekends accompanying his father’s geology field trips around the mountains and plains of the Rocky Mountain region. As a teen he spent summers working on cattle ranches. This personal experience with the West’s resources and the people who depend on them shapes Steve’s perspective as an attorney and provides him with a personal understanding of the unique issues faced by landowners, businesses, and local governments who operate in the western states and beyond.

As an attorney, Steve uses this experience and knowledge to help his clients understand and navigate the complex legal environment that governs water rights and water law, natural resources, environmental, real estate, and land use matters. He advises clients in a wide variety of contexts, including transactions, administrative proceedings, and legislation. Steve is a seasoned litigator who effectively represents his clients before state agencies as well as state and federal courts, having served as counsel on several cases involving water rights issues of first impression before Oregon, Colorado, and federal courts.

Steve is the former managing shareholder of the firm and he draws on this experience to provide his clients with practical advice based on his understanding of their businesses. Steve serves as general counsel for many of his clients, helping them find real, lasting solutions to their legal problems. His approach to a matter starts with his emphasis on a strong client relationship. He communicates frequently and directly with his clients to ensure that they understand the benefits and drawbacks of any proposed action. He then draws on his personal experience to help clients identify legal issues, develop options to address those issues, and pursue the most effective and efficient legal strategy possible. This approach enables Steve’s clients to play a significant role in deciding on the most beneficial course of action to address their challenges and achieve business or personal success.