Energy & Natural Resources: Utah

THE FIRM A significant increase in size has given this established energy team a major boost, establishing it as a genuine leader in the Utah market. The group handles a broad range of matters, including oil and gas and environmental work across the Western region. It acts for a series of major energy companies, such as QEP and XTO, and for regional regulatory bodies including Southern Nevada Water Authority and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District. 

Sources say: "A well-positioned group that is seen handling energy work all across the West."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Climate change specialist James Holtkamp is known among sources as "the expert on air." As well as handling matters in Utah and across the Western USA, he has been involved in international work, having acted for Pax Natura on the sale of carbon credits following avoided deforestation in Costa Rica.

Environmental litigator Craig Galli recently represented Calpine in defending challenges to a geothermal power plant project in California.

Chris Jones has been particularly active in oil and gas transactional work, while water and natural resources specialist Jody Williams was at the forefront of one of the team's most significant matters in establishing a major water right for PacifiCorp, worth $250 million. 

THE FIRM This standout Utah practice handles energy matters that go far beyond the state boundaries, with a dedicated focus on the Western USA and Latin America. Parsons Behle also has one of the most prominent mining practices in the country, and recently represented Rio Tinto in its Utah water rights protection matters. The team also advises a number of state agencies, including highway departments, municipalities and water companies.

Sources say: "Some very good lawyers who are very strong on mining and environmental work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Top-notch environmental lawyer" Hal Pos serves as vice chairman of the firm. He recently acted for Questar Gas on developing environmental covenants regarding soil and groundwater remediation at a former Salt Lake City manufactured gas plant.

Jim Butler splits his time between the firm's Utah and Nevada offices, and is held in high regard by peers. He recently acted alongside younger litigator Michael Zody for Denison Mines in defense of a citizens suit seeking injunctive relief for alleged NEPA violations.

Michael Malmquist is held in high regard for his expertise in environmental work. He and Zody have been involved in a title action for the State of Utah against the federal government regarding claimed roads under Revised Statute 2477.

Sources describe Lisa Kirschner as being "really good at water quality work." She has been handling a number of CWA-related matters from the Utah Department of Transportation.

Market sources view Stephen Hull and Patricia Winmill as strong mining practitioners. 

THE FIRM Jones Waldo's energy and natural resources practice is recommended as a developing and increasingly prominent force in the state. As part of the firm's real estate department, the group has dedicated expertise in the energy and utilities areas. It has a particular focus on the transition between traditional utilities to new and alternative energy sources, including wind and solar power.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice leader Lucy Jenkins specializes in environmental law with a particular focus on business transactions relating to various environmentally impaired properties. 

THE FIRM This compact but dedicated natural resources team has a broad practice covering energy and utilities, environmental, mining and water law. It regularly represents real estate developers, municipalities, and irrigation, mining and oil and gas companies.

Sources say: "A team that has always had a number of very good resource lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Water, mining, oil and gas, public land and administrative law form the backbone of Daniel Jensen's impressive natural resources practice. He handles a wide range of transactional and development issues, as well as related litigation.

Steven Christiansen is widely recommended as a strong air lawyer, but his practice extends further into environmental matters: he also handles climate change, environmental legislation and brownfield redevelopment, among other issues, on behalf of mining, petroleum, chemical, energy and public utility clients across the USA and Canada.

Senior practitioner Clayton Parr is experienced and active across the full range of natural resources work. 

THE FIRM This streamlined Salt Lake City team is a key part of the firm's broad regional utilities practice. The group maintains its traditional links to the electric industry, as well as operating a broad practice across a range of energy and utility issues. The firm also has an active environmental practice handling various types of air, water and waste matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Strong player" Denise Dragoo is known as a significant local player in coal mining issues. She also focuses on environmental and water law.

Environmental specialist Brad Cahoon represents a number of oil, gas and mining companies in a range of natural resources matters. 

THE FIRM The Utah office of this established regional firm forms part of a broad practice covering a number of areas, including energy, environmental, water and natural gas, oil and mining law. The team attracts particular praise for its expertise in coal mining.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commended as a "very good coal lawyer," John Kirkham has deep experience and expertise across the full range of natural resources law issues. 

THE FIRM This Utah stalwart is active on a range of energy and environmental issues. The team represents both public and private sector entities in the establishment and development of their energy interests, and also deals with environmental permitting, compliance and enforcement matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head and "very good technical lawyer" Michael Keller is renowned for his expertise in oil and gas-related work. He also represents clients in a series of environmental regulatory and enforcement proceedings.

Thomas Clawson deals with natural resources and public land law, as well as being a member of the firm's business section.