Overview

Abigail Talboy is an environmental and natural resources attorney whose practice focuses on water rights, natural resources, environmental enforcement, and related litigation. Her work has involved matters arising under federal and state environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the California Water Code. She has also worked on issues involving federal reserved water rights, tribal water rights, environmental justice initiatives, and takings claims.

Prior to joining the firm, Abigail served as a Deputy District Attorney with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. She conducted legal research, drafted motions and appeals, reviewed evidence, and negotiated plea agreements with defense counsel. Her practice also included daily court appearances for arraignments and changes of plea, as well as preparing and prosecuting misdemeanor cases. Abigail previously held legal positions with the U.S. Department of Justice Natural Resources Division, the California Water Resources Control Board, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the U.S. Department of Justice Tribal Resources Section.

Abigail earned her J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law, where she received Environmental Law and Public Service Certificates. She was a national finalist in the Pace Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, received the Reynoso Academic Achievement Award in Energy Law, and was awarded the Genes Family Watershed Fellowship. Abigail additionally served as senior editor of Environs, the school’s environmental law and policy journal. She also holds a Master of Legal Studies in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

Education

  • University of California, Davis School of Law, J.D., 2025; Environmental Law Certificate; Public Service Certificate
  • University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Master of Legal Studies, Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy, 2020
  • Pacific University, B.A., Environmental Studies, minor in History, 2016

Admissions

California

Experience

Environmental Litigation & Natural Resources

  • Evaluated matters arising under CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, and other environmental regulatory frameworks.
  • Analyzed issues involving natural resources, water rights, and environmental enforcement.
  • Assisted with matters involving federal reserved water rights, tribal water rights, and takings claims.

Water Rights & Administrative Law

  • Worked on matters involving water rights, water quality regulation, and agency administration of environmental programs.
  • Evaluated issues arising under the California Water Code and related regulatory authorities.
  • Supported matters involving state and federal environmental regulatory programs.

Environmental Compliance & Enforcement

  • Assisted with matters involving environmental compliance obligations and enforcement authorities.
  • Supported analysis of environmental enforcement and cost-recovery claims.

Litigation

  • Participated in all stages of litigation, including motion practice, witness preparation, evidentiary development, and trial proceedings.
  • Drafted motions, appellate filings, and other litigation-related submissions.
  • Conducted courtroom advocacy in contested proceedings.

Recognition

  • Pace Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, National Finalist
  • Reynoso Academic Achievement Award, Energy Law
  • CLA Environmental Law Student Negotiations Competition, Second Place
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