Experience

Since 2000, Mary Elizabeth has practiced on the Western Slope.  Her practice includes most civil matters – from real estate transactions and disputes, land use applications, water law, civil litigation, municipal law and homeowners’ associations.  She specializes in water law and municipal practice, and represents several municipalities across the Western Slope with regard to water matters.  Mary Elizabeth’s experience covers a broad range of clients and matters, whether it is prosecuting a complicated plan for augmentation through water court or negotiating the terms of a lease for a residential property.

Mary Elizabeth represents local governments in a wide range of matters and negotiates with local, state and federal governments on behalf of private clients.  She practices in the water courts for the Colorado, Gunnison, Yampa and Dolores river basins.  For homeowners’ associations she drafts and enforces covenants as well as advises and adjudicates water rights.  In a real estate transaction, she has the depth of experience not only to review the title work and land use matters but also water rights and well matters – covering all matters of due diligence.  Mary Elizabeth works with developers and individuals in successfully navigating the land use process, whether it is all steps necessary to receive subdivision approval or to receive a building permit.  She also represents contractors, subcontractors and materialmen in mechanic’s lien actions, construction defect and payment disputes and conversely can represent owners with regard to the same.  Mary Elizabeth assists with business formation and organization.

Education

• Davidson College, Davidson, NC (B.A., 1994)
• University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder (J.D., 2000)
  • Order of the Coif (top 10% of class)

Court Admissions

• U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado (2017)
• State of Colorado (2000)

Bar Associations & Professional Societies

• 9^th JD District Bar Association
• Colorado Bar Association – Water Law Section member
• American Bar Association
• Colorado Municipal League