Overview

Shannon Bleicher is a partner in Stoel Rives’ Natural Resources and Energy practice and co-leader of the firm’s Mining group. She advises mining companies, mineral developers, utilities, project sponsors, landowners, and other resource industry clients on matters involving mining law, mineral rights, public lands, land access, permitting, project development, real property, and regulatory compliance. Her practice spans the full lifecycle of natural resource and infrastructure projects, from acquisition and exploration through development, operations, and reclamation.

Shannon regularly represents clients before the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Land Management, Regulatory Commission of Alaska, and other state and federal agencies. She counsels clients on federal and state mining claims, mineral and surface title issues, land tenure and due diligence matters, exploration and development projects, land use authorizations, access disputes, and public land management issues. She also advises clients on transactions involving mineral properties and natural resource assets, including acquisitions, divestitures, title review, and development agreements.

In addition, Shannon represents electric and other utility clients in tariff proceedings, rate matters, regulatory compliance proceedings, certificate matters, and other proceedings before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Her experience allows her to help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks governing both natural resource development and utility operations.

While attending law school, Shannon earned a master's degree in Negotiations and Conflict Resolution, with a concentration in facilitation. She applies those skills to help clients resolve disputes, negotiate complex transactions, build consensus among stakeholders, and achieve practical business objectives.

Education

Creighton University School of Law, J.D., 2017, cum laude; Student Article Editor, Creighton Law Review

Creighton University Werner Institute, M.S., Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, 2017

Creighton University, B.A., Political Science, minor in Environmental Policy, 2012, magna cum laude; Graduation with Distinction in Political Science; Dean’s List

Admissions

Alaska

Nebraska

Experience

  • Represented privately held mineral exploration company in due diligence and acquisition of patented lands, federal mining claims, severed surface rights from a Native corporation, and mineral rights from a separate Native corporation concerning a lithium prospect.
  • Represented new entrant to mineral exploration in due diligence and acquisition of complex mineral rights package on State of Alaska lands.
  • Advised operating gold mine regarding obtaining and maintaining necessary land access approvals, site selection, and access issues on state and private lands.
  • Represented a new entrant to mineral exploration in due diligence and acquisition of mineral rights package on State of Alaska lands including advising with respect to the form and structure of operating agreements covering the property.
  • Represented an Australian junior exploration company in due diligence and acquisition of complex land package consisting of state and federal mineral interests.
  • Routinely prepare complex mineral title reports and opinions for various companies in Alaska.
  • Routinely advise mining clients on maintaining State of Alaska mineral interests including permit applications and compliance, affidavits of labor, and rental payments.
  • Advised companies regarding the transfer of interests and natural resource leases, permits, and other agreements.
  • Represented public utilities before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, including assisting with certificate acquisitions, tariff, revenue requirement, and rate design.
  • Advised a nonprofit healthcare entity in acquiring and renewing tax exemptions from the local municipality.

Insights

Insights & Presentations

  • “Annual Mining and Public Land Law Update” (presenter), Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Annual Institute, Seattle, WA, 2026
  • “Alaska: A Land of Opportunity in a Time of Uncertainty,” Mineral & Land Resources Institute, 2025
  • "Don’t Get Rejected – Best Practices for Location Sketch Maps" (co-presenter), Alaska Miners Association Anchorage Convention, 2024
  • “Affidavits of Labor: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How” (co-presenter), Alaska Miners Association Fairbanks Convention, 2024
  • “Provisions to Ponder When Drafting Mining Service Agreement,” North American Mining, May 2024
  • “It’s Mine! – Securing Mineral Tenure in Alaska” (co-presenter), Alaska Miners Association Anchorage Convention, 2022
  • Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Proposes Regulation Changes” (co-author), Stoel Rives’ Mineral Law blog, November 2, 2021
  • “In Alaska, Non-Public Waters Within National Park Boundaries Cannot be Regulated by the NPS as if They Were Part of the Park,” Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (RMMLF) Water Law Newsletter, Volume LIII, Number 1, 2020
  • “Changes to Alaska’s Mining Laws – Qualification Statutes” (co-author), Stoel Rives’ Mineral Law blog, June 2, 2020
  • “Alaska’s Mineral Tenure Statutes Amended” (co-author), Stoel Rives’ Mineral Law blog, May 13, 2020
  • “Alaska DNR Issues Guidance for Placer Mining Operations During COVID-19” (co-author), Stoel Rives’ Mineral Law blog, May 13, 2020
  • “Alaska Suspends Fees for Easements, Rights-of-Way, and Mining Leases” (co-author), Stoel Rives’ Mineral Law blog, April 9, 2020
  • “AOGCC Implements Electronic Permitting Procedures in Response to Office Shutdowns Caused by COVID-19” (co-author), Stoel Rives’ Mineral Law blog, April 3, 2020
  • “Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Issues No Action Assurance Memorandums in Response to COVID-19 Caused Non-Compliance Concerns” (co-author), Stoel Rives LLP legal alert, April 1, 2020
  • “Alaska Legislature Approves Coronavirus Response Bill Temporarily Changing State Laws Affecting Utilities” (co-author), Stoel Rives LLP legal alert, March 31, 2020
  • “Alaska Tightens Restrictions on Intrastate Travel and Social Distancing” (co-author), Stoel Rives LLP legal alert, March 29, 2020

Recognition

  • Selected by Chambers USA as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (USA–Nationwide) for Mining & Metals, Associates to Watch, 2025–present; (Alaska) for Natural Resources & Environment, Up and Coming, 2026
  • Included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (Environmental Law), 2025–present
  • Listed in the Alaska Business Legal Elite, 2023–present

Affiliations

Professional

  • Alaska Bar Association, Arctic Law Section, Co-Chair, 2021–present
  • Water Law Newsletter, The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Co-Reporter for Alaska, 2020-present
  • Mineral and Energy Law Newsletter, The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Co-Reporter for Alaska, 2025-present
  • Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Board Member (Alternate), 2024-present
  • Alaska Miners Association, member
  • Alaska Association of Professional Landmen, member

Civic

  • Alaska Business Development Center, Volunteer Tax Preparer, 2018-present
  • Alaska Legal Services Corporation Landlord Tenant Hotline, Volunteer Attorney
  • Anchorage District Court Small Claims Mediation Program, Volunteer Mediator
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, former Big Sister Mentor
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