Water Disputes

OVERVIEW

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Draper & Draper represents clients in water-related disputes, in particular in U.S. Supreme Court transboundary water disputes.  John Draper and Corinne Atton currently represent the State of New Mexico in litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the Rio Grande. 

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We also advise clients on climate-related water issues. 

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Our attorneys combine their engineering, science and technology backgrounds with a depth of experience of water law and related issues.  We have worked extensively with water experts, including economists, hydrologists, and concerning surface and groundwater operation models.

 

Practice leader "John Draper is widely regarded as "preeminent in water matters” (Chambers and Partners, 2013), and “an optimum force in the state for water rights litigation” (Chambers and Partners, 2008).  John regularly represents clients before the New Mexico State Engineer in administrative proceedings and appeals, in litigation concerning water rights, and in the purchase and sale of water rights.

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A selection of our water publications and briefs can be found here.

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RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

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• John Draper and Corinne Atton are representing the State of New Mexico in U.S. Supreme Court litigation concerning the Rio Grande.  Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado, No. 141 Original

• Representing the State of Kansas in the U.S. Supreme Court, in litigation against Colorado concerning the Arkansas River

• Representing the State of Kansas in the U.S. Supreme Court, in litigation against Nebraska and Colorado concerning the Republican River

• Representing Montana in the U.S. Supreme Court, in litigation against Wyoming and North Dakota concerning the Yellowstone River

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U.S. SUPREME COURT AMICUS CURIAE BRIEFING

 

• International Law Committee of The New York City Bar Association, Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Neither Party, State of Mississippi v. State of Tennessee et al., No. 143 Orig., U.S. Supreme Court (2021)

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