Experience

• Represented numerous mine operators in the sale or acquisition of operating coal, aggregate and hardrock mines and mining properties,
• Represents clients on ongoing operational and regulatory matters relating to the operation of hardrock, coal and industrial mineral mining projects.
• Represented numerous clients in working with the BLM in obtaining and maintaining various property interests in federal lands, including mineral leases and mining claims.
• Represented several mine operators in the sale or acquisition of operating coal, aggregate and hardrock mines and mining properties.
• Authored numerous mineral title opinions for coal, oil, gas, limestone, geothermal and oil sands interests on public, private and tribal lands in Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
• Drafted permit applications and coordinated the application process for BLM right-of-way grants.
• Represented a major building materials and concrete supplier in numerous real estate leasing and acquisition transactions, including mining properties and water rights.
• Assisted an in-situ coal gasification developer in the acquisition of over 150 mineral leases in Wyoming, Montana and Colorado.
• Represents numerous mining, energy and industrial developers in water rights matters in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, including the water right appropriation, transfer and change application processes.
• Assists clients in water rights adjudications before the Idaho Water Court and Montana Water Court (pro hac vice).
• Represents an industrial client in the negotiation of land and water rights acquisition, joint venture agreements, and the obtaining of local and federal land use permits in connection with the development and construction of a large industrial facility.
• Assisted in the representation a large electrical utility in two separate proceedings before the Utah Utility Facility Review Board.
• Represents electrical and gas utilities before state regulatory commissions.
• Represents wind, geothermal, biomass and biofuels developers in the acquisition and lease of real estate for project development.

Honors & Activities

• Selected as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" (Idaho & Utah) by Chambers USA for:
  • Natural Resources & Environment (ID), 2013-2017;
  • Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries (UT), 2016-2017
• Member, Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Council, Boise (Idaho) District, (Energy Development, Land Exchange and Permit Renewal/Litigation Subcommittees), Mar. 2011-present
• Chair, Environmental and Natural Resources Section, Idaho State Bar, 2009-2011
• Chair, Mining Law Section, Utah State Bar, 2007-2008
• Chair, Mining Section, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation’s Annual Institute, July 2014
• Long Range Planning Committee Member, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation 
• Member, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation
• Member, Idaho Mining Association
• Board of Directors, J. Reuben Clark Law Society
• Board of Directors, Idaho Botanical Garden, 2011
• Member, Idaho State Bar Association
• Member, Utah State Bar Association
• Member, Wyoming Bar Association

Insights & Presentations

• “Conflicting Estates? Understanding the Interaction between Surface Ownership and Mineral Rights.” Western Land Symposium, Aug. 25, 2014
• “What Lies Beneath? Understanding the Interaction Between Agricultural Use and Mineral Rights,” Idaho State Bar, Real Property Section, Mar. 29, 2013
• “Real Estate Issues” Chapter, The Law of Biorefineries and Advanced Biofuels, Stoel Rives LLP, 2012 Edition
• “Geothermal Development,” Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) Geothermal Energy Workshop, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Apr. 21, 2011
• “The General Mining Law of 1872 – Past, Present and Future,” Idaho State Bar, Environmental and Natural Resources Section, Feb. 26, 2011

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