Law Offices of Michele Van Quathem, PLLC is a specialized legal practice focusing on water, energy, natural resources, and real estate law in Arizona. With over 30 years of experience, the firm stands out for its deep expertise in complex regulatory environments and its recognition in prestigious legal guides like Best Lawyers in America® and Chambers USA.
The firm adopts a client-centered approach, prioritizing timely and efficient solutions tailored to business objectives. Michele Van Quathem regularly represents businesses, property owners, and districts in dealings with state and federal agencies, including the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of Land Management. The practice is particularly noted for its proficiency in water rights, utility law, and natural resource management.
Services Offered
- Real estate law
- Water law
- Water rights litigation
- Water permits and regulatory compliance
- Wastewater and sewer law
- Reclaimed water agreements and permits
- Water transfers and contracts
- Utility rate cases
- Water supply acquisition, due diligence, and agreements
- Groundwater permits and grandfathered rights
- Colorado River entitlements and transfers
- Central Arizona Project (CAP) subcontracts and wheeling
- Assured and Adequate Water Supply Certificates/Designations
- Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) matters
- Recharge and long-term storage credits
- Effluent use agreements and permits
- Well permits and well sharing agreements
- Indian water agreements
- Water rights severance and transfer
- Wastewater discharge permits (AZPDES)
- Aquifer Protection Permits (APP)
- Flood and drainage disputes
- Dam safety compliance
- Administrative appeals
- Energy law (solar, geothermal, oil & gas)
- Energy siting and land entitlements
- Rights-of-way agreements
- Mining law and unpatented mining claims
- 1872 Mining Law compliance
- Mining due diligence and royalty agreements
- Operating agreements
- Federal and state land use permits
- Natural resources law
- Solar leases
- Geothermal leases
- Sand and gravel leases
- Public utility law
- Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CC&N)
- Main extension agreements
- Water and sewer service agreements
- Representation before the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), cities, and counties
- Environmental law
The firm serves clients across Arizona and handles matters involving both state and federal agencies. Michele Van Quathem is a member of the Arizona and Wyoming State Bars, the Colorado River Water Users Association, and has chaired the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section of the Arizona State Bar.
