Stuart brings extensive experience concerning Colorado water rights law, detailed analysis and evaluation, and a client-focused management and counseling approach to the resolution of client water rights issues.
Overview
Stuart’s practice focuses on water law and related issues such as water project development.
Water Law
Stuart is an experienced water law attorney representing municipalities, special districts, ditch companies, water user associations, and individual water users, including those engaged in agriculture, dairy farming, and ranching, in all aspects of water law. He also has experience with designated groundwater basin issues, groundwater management districts, and proceedings before the Colorado Groundwater Commission.
Stuart assists clients with the adjudication of conditional and absolute water rights (both surface and underground) and with the development, adjudication, and administration of plans for augmentation, changes of water rights, exchange cases, and substitute water supply plans. He also works with clients to resolve well permit issues and evaluates water rights purchase and sale transactions, conducting related water rights title examinations. In addition, Stuart is experienced with the review and drafting of contracts, easements, licenses, and other agreements related to water user structures and project development. When needed, he also advises clients on proposed water legislation before the Colorado Legislature.
Relevant Work History
Prior to joining BHGR, Stuart was a partner at Vranesh and Raisch, a boutique water law firm, and before that, he worked as a law clerk for Judge Roger A. Klein and Water Judge Jonathan W. Hays in the Div. 1 Water Court, 19th Judicial District, in Greeley, Colorado.
Education + Admissions
Education
J.D., University of Colorado Law School
B.A., University of Colorado
Admissions
- Colorado
Associations
- Colorado Bar Association, Water Law Section Colorado Water Congress, State Affairs Committee
- Boulder County Bar Association
Publications
J. Corbridge, S. Corbridge, T. Rice, 2001 and 2003 Supplements to Vranesh’s Colorado Water Law (Rev. Ed. 1999).
S. Corbridge, E. Riordan, “Attorney Fee Awards – Are They Appropriate If I Don’t Prevail?,” Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation Special Institute on Natural Resources and Environmental Administrative Law & Procedure, Denver, Colorado, September 16-17, 2004.
Published Cases
Jim Hutton Educational Foundation v. Rein, 418 P.3d 1156 (Colo. 2018).
North Sterling Irrigation Dist. v. Simpson, 202 P.3d 1207 (Colo. 2009).
Harmony Ditch Co. v. Ground Water Management Subdistrict of Central Colo. Water Conservancy Dist., 136 P.3d 899 (2006).
Honors & Awards
Best Lawyers in America (2023-present)
Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year for Water Law in Colorado (2024)
Out + About
When he is not in the office, you will find Stuart spending time with his wife and family and being physically active. He enjoys bicycling, golfing, hockey, Alpine and Nordic skiing, and playing the guitar. Stuart also participates in volunteer coaching of youth hockey at his local YMCA.
