Zachary C. Castagnola-Johnson

Zachary Castagnola-Johnson is an environmental and water law attorney who represents public agencies and other clients in complex water rights matters, groundwater adjudications, environmental compliance issues, administrative proceedings, and appellate litigation. His practice focuses on California water law, including water rights permitting, regulatory compliance, environmental review, and litigation involving state and federal water resources laws.

Zach advises clients on matters involving the California Water Code, the federal Clean Water Act, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), groundwater management, water transfers, endangered species issues, and local agency governance. His experience includes drafting appellate briefs, trial court motions, writ petitions, public comment letters, and policy documents, as well as representing clients before regulatory agencies and participating in complex litigation and administrative proceedings.

Zach's practice combines litigation, regulatory counseling, and policy analysis, enabling him to help clients navigate complex environmental and water resource challenges throughout California.

Education

• University of California, Davis School of Law, J.D., 2024, Environmental & Natural Resources Law Certificate; Pro Bono Certificate; Public Service Certificate
  • Reynoso Academic Excellence Award, highest grade: Water Law
  • Reynoso Academic Achievement Award, second highest grade: Property Law
  • Reynoso Academic Achievement Award, second highest grade: Advanced Legal Research
• Arizona State University, B.S., Marketing, 2013

Admissions

California

Water Rights & Water Resources

• Represented clients in matters involving California water rights, water right permitting, water transfers, groundwater management, and related regulatory proceedings.
• Advised public agency clients on water resource development, compliance obligations, and day-to-day operational issues affecting water utilities and local agencies.
• Assisted clients with water right reporting, CalWATRS compliance, water right applications, and administrative proceedings before state agencies.
• Participated in negotiations involving water rights disputes and regulatory agency protests and enforcement matters.

Environmental Compliance & Regulatory Matters

• Counseled clients regarding compliance with state and federal environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, CEQA, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Drafted public comment letters, policy documents, environmental analyses, and legislative comments on environmental and natural resources issues.
• Worked with regulatory agencies, including the State Water Resources Control Board and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to address permitting, compliance, and enforcement matters.
• Advised clients regarding site cleanup issues, local code compliance, environmental baseline analyses, and public records matters.

Environmental & Natural Resources Litigation

• Drafted appellate briefs, trial briefs, motions, writ petitions, and legal memoranda in California and federal courts.
• Assisted with trial preparation and litigation strategy in complex groundwater adjudications and other environmental disputes.
• Conducted legal research and analysis concerning water law, environmental regulation, endangered species issues, and administrative law.
• Supported clients through all phases of litigation, including pleadings, motion practice, appeals, and negotiations.

Administrative & Public Agency Practice

• Represented clients before administrative bodies and participated in administrative hearings and regulatory proceedings.
• Prepared responses to agency enforcement actions and assists clients with public records requests and subpoenas.
• Developed policies, agreements, and guidance documents for public agency clients.
• Presented oral comments and advocacy on behalf of clients before governmental decision-making bodies.

• 2023 Margaret Schelen Public Service Scholarship Recipient.
• Outstanding Overall Appellate Advocate (Highest Combined Oral Argument & Brief Scores), 54th Annual Irving L. Neumiller Memorial Moot Court Competition.
• Finalist, 54th Annual Irving L. Neumiller Memorial Moot Court Competition.

Professional

• Sacramento County Bar Association