Bio
Philip’s practice focuses on helping his clients through the complexities of water rights, environmental and real property law, transactional issues, and when it calls for it, litigation. He works along-side his clients to see all aspects of a matter and to mitigate potentials risks. Armed with years of litigation experience in complex, multi-party water court proceedings, he is ready to go to bat for his clients to put them in a strong position for success.
Philip has a unique perspective of both sides of water law having previously worked in both private practice and most recently as a Senior Assistant Attorney General for the Colorado Attorney General’s Office in the Water Resources and Water Conservation Units. He draws on this background to help his clients successfully navigate water rights adjudication proceedings in the state’s various water courts. As a Senior Assistant Attorney General, Philip served as the lead trial attorney for the State Engineer and Division Engineers in a number of complex water trials. He also has significant experience with designated ground water, having served as the lead counsel for the staff of the Colorado Ground Water Commission in adjudicatory and rulemaking proceedings before the Commission. Philip also has appellate experience, having successfully argued before the Colorado Supreme Court in a number of water-related appeals.
In addition to his litigation practice, Philip also has experience with water rights acquisitions and transactions, including conducting title reviews and opinions, due diligence, and conveyance of water rights and associated real property interests.
A sixth generation Coloradoan who grew up on a ranch with water rights in the San Luis Valley, Philip has a very personal connection and passion for his water law practice.