Steve grew up in the arid West, where he learned at an early age that Western history, politics, and power are all closely linked by our most precious resource — water. He gained an appreciation for Western water and land issues by spending many hours accompanying his father's geology field trips around the mountains and plains of the Rocky Mountain region and by spending his summers working on cattle ranches. This intimate 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 Pacific Northwest and beyond.

As a lawyer, Steve uses this experience and knowledge to help his clients understand and navigate the complex legal environment that governs 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 also 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.

Water rights acquisitions, sales, and leases Water rights audits and appraisals Water rights permitting and adjudication Water rights transfers Water rights litigation before administrative and judicial bodies Bureau of Reclamation project rights and contracts Endangered Species Act audits and compliance Wetlands and water quality compliance