We Navigate
The Complex
Swift Navigation
We help guide our clients towards the best possible outcome. We provide a nimble approach, personal service, and a deep understanding of the regulations and laws the shape California’s complex access to water resources. Our practice focuses on water rights and permitting, groundwater and SGMA compliance, litigation, public agency representation, water transfers, and beyond. We have a service mindset and are committed to achieving results for our clients.
Our full-spectrum focus ranges from rights to permitting, environmental compliance to litigation, public agency engagement to water transfers, and beyond. No matter what area of water law we’re exploring, we do so with a service mindset and a commitment to doing the absolute best for our clients.
Our services
Water Law
California water law is a complex mix of state and federal regulations. PKW Law takes a multi-faceted, collaborative approach, engaging with decision-makers at the ground level to achieve results for our clients. Our work spans all aspects of water law, from acquisition of water rights to protecting existing rights and challenging regulations in state and federal courts.
Environmental Compliance
Government and private water resource projects are so complex that a traditional approach simply won’t work. PKW Law is dedicated to finding novel solutions that protect our clients’ interests while following the letter of the law. To do this, we work hand in hand with experts to head off unexpected issues and save energy and resources from the start.
Litigation
Our first course of action is to resolve legal matters before they reach the courtroom. But when litigation is inevitable or benefits our clients, we’re ready to represent our clients at every level of the court system and before administrative agencies.
Public Agency Law
PKW Law represents numerous public agencies throughout California, providing both general and special counsel to irrigation districts, joint powers authorities, groundwater sustainability agencies, and other entities.
Groundwater Law
California groundwater law is rapidly evolving and PKW Law has been at the forefront of understanding and defining how local agencies manage and allocate this invaluable resource. Our firm worked with the legislative team in the development of the California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA, and its deference to local management, which gives us a detailed understanding of the intricacies of the law for our groundwater sustainability agency clients.
Water Transfers
Few transactions are more complex or urgent than water transfers. The dynamic movement of water through short and long-term transfers are becoming increasingly necessary as California is forced to manage resources during water shortages and ensure reliable water supplies for the competing beneficial uses of that water.