The future of California’s freshwater supply has never been more uncertain. Yet millions of people, fauna, and flora depend on that water to thrive. More than a hundred years after the implementation of the Water Commission Act of 1913, the 20th Water Law Symposium takes a closer look at California’s present water management: What are the best practices already in place? Where is there room to grow? Gathering diverse stakeholder perspectives, let’s find a sustainable water future for all!
2024 event program
Couldn't make it? Watch the recording below!
2024 CA Water Law Symposium Gallery
2024 AGENDA
1913 to Now: Diversifying Solutions to Water Governance in California
​​8:00 - 9:00 AM
Check-In & Continental Breakfast

8:00 - 8:45 AM​
Water Law 101
A primer on water law taught by USF's Professor Roos-Collins.

9:00 - 9:20 AM
Welcoming Remarks
Symposium Co-Chairs: Sachiko Yoshitsugu, Grace Wainscoat, Annie Llombart Portabella & Adrian Wong
Tom Hicks, Tom Hicks Law and Founder of the California Water Law Symposium
Presentation of California Water Law Writing Prize
Winner announced on the day of.

​9:30 - 10:45 AM
Panel 1 - Klamath Dam Removal: Stakeholders, Science, and Sustainability
Organized by: UC Law SF & Stanford Law School
  • Richard Roos-Collins, Attorney, Water & Power Law Group; Professor, USF School of Law
  • Marianna Aue, Attorney, State Water Resources Control Board
  • Curtis Knight, Executive Director, California Trout
  • Hayden Richter, UC Law SF 2L [Moderator]

~ 15 minute break ~

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Panel 2 - Water Rights Enforcement in California
Organized by: University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
  • Andrew Tauriainen, Attorney, State Water Resources Control Board Office of Enforcement
  • Walter "Redgie" Collins, Legal & Policy Director, California Trout
  • Rebecca R. A. Smith, Partner, Downey Brand
  • Jennifer Harder, Professor, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law [Moderator] 

12:15 - 12:45 PM
Lunch

12:45 - 1:45 PM
Racial Equity Discussion. An enlightening and interactive discussion that delves into the importance of diversity and inclusion to the water law bar. 
Organized by: University of San Francisco School of Law
  • Caryn Mandelbaum, Public Advocates Office, California Public Utilities Commission  ​
  • Chelsea Tu, Executive Director, Monterey Waterkeeper

~ 15 minute break ~

2:00 - 3:15 PM
Panel 3 - Water Rights: Clarifying the 2023 Water Board Arrowhead Spring Order
Organized by: Golden Gate University School of Law & UC Berkeley School of Law
  • Kenneth Petruzzelli, Attorney, State Water Resources Control Board Office of Enforcement
  • ​Rachel Doughty, Attorney, Greenfire Law PC
  • Paul Kibel, Professor, Golden Gate University School of Law; Attorney, Water & Power Law Group [Moderator] 

~ 15 minute break ~

​3:30 - 4:45 PM
Panel 4 - SGMA: A Decade in Review
Organized by: UC Davis School of Law
  • Tina Cannon Leahy, Staff Counsel, State Water Resources Control Board Office of the Chief Counsel
  • Eric L. Garner, Managing Partner, Best Best & Krieger LLP
  • Sherri Norris, Executive Director, California Indian Environmental Alliance
  • Tien Tran, Policy Advocate, Community Water Center
  • Nick Gray, Programs Director, Water Education Foundation [Moderator]

4:45 - 6:00 PM
​Reception ​
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS AND MCLE MATERIALS
Water Law Primer
Water Law 101 ​
Organized by USF School of Law

Open the day with an introductory lesson on water law with Richard Roos-Collins, a water law expert and Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law. Professor Roos-Collins is a principal of Water and Power Law Group PC and General Counsel to the Hydropower Reform Coalition (Washington, D.C.), representing more than 2 million people interested in balancing power and environmental benefits. His practical expertise and experience teaching Water Law at USF School of Law make this session a great opportunity, whether you are new to water law or not.
This primer is designed to benefit students and new water law practitioners alike. Professor Roos-Collins will provide an overview of the laws governing water resources and help frame the panels so that all attendees are better able to understand and participate in the discussions. MCLE credit is available for purchase.
  • Richard Roos-Collins, Attorney, Water & Power Law Group; Professor, USF School of Law
MCLE Materials
Panel 1
Klamath Dam Removal: Stakeholders, Science, and Sustainability
Organized by UC Law SF & Stanford Law School
​
Dive into the complexities of the Klamath Dam removal with our panel as they navigate the intricate web of stakeholders shaping this environmental initiative, from tribal communities to government agencies. This panel will delve into strategic procurement methods, risk management, and damages to third parties, providing valuable insights into the nuanced decision-making process. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the government water quality certification, preemption, and environmental review processes, crucial elements in navigating the regulatory framework essential to this transformative initiative. Throughout the discussion, spotlighting collaborative efforts between tribal interest, environmental advocates, and government bodies will underscore the pivotal roles each plays in advancing this environmental initiative.
  • Richard Roos-Collins, Attorney, Water & Power Law Group; Professor, USF School of Law
  • Marianna Aue, Attorney, CA State Water Resources Control Board
  • Curtis Knight, Executive Director, California Trout
  • Hayden Richter, Student, UC Law SF [Moderator]
MCLE Materials
Panel 2
Water Rights Enforcement in California
Organized by University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law 

This panel will explore the role of robust water rights enforcement to effective water governance in California. The panel will explore the history of enforcement, the current enforcement framework, and contemporary issues in enforcement. The panel will also review recently enacted legislation related to enforcement, such as Senate Bill 389 (Allen) and consider potential future reforms, exploring the potential benefits and challenges of amending enforcement standards from the perspectives of the state, environmental representatives, and water rights holders.
  • Andrew Tauriainen, Attorney, CA State Water Resources Control Board Office of Enforcement
  • Walter "Redgie" Collins, Legal & Policy Director, California Trout
  • Rebecca R. A. Smith, Partner, Downey Brand
  • Jennifer Harder, Professor at McGeorge School of Law [Moderator]
MCLE Materials​​
Special Session
Racial Equity Discussion
Organized by USF School of Law
​
Join us for an enlightening and interactive Racial Equity Discussion that delves into the importance of diversity and inclusion to the water law bar. Moderators will share their experiences on their career paths in the field of water law and how imperative it is for water governance to reflect the rich diversity of California. This session will present attendees with an opportunity to think about and discuss how practitioners and employers can help promote racial equity and diversity in their organizations, mentorships, and the water law bar.
  • Caryn Mandelbaum, Public Advocates Office, California Public Utilities Commission
  • Chelsea Tu, Executive Director of Monterey Waterkeeper
Panel 3 
Water Rights: Clarifying the 2023 Water Board Arrowhead Spring Order
Organized by Golden Gate University School of Law and UC Berkeley School of Law

 The State Water Resources Control Board ordered BlueTriton Brands to cease and desist diverting millions of gallons of water for its bottling operations from the Strawberry Creek watershed in San Bernardino mountains. The Board determined that BlueTriton lacks any valid rights to divert water for bottling at 10 of its 13 diversion points in the watershed. BlueTriton responded by filing a lawsuit claiming the Board does not have the regulatory authority to regulate the water at issue. This panel will examine disputes regarding the scope of the Board’s regulatory authority, evidentiary issues associated with water rights claims, the development of a legal framework for defining and determining the connectivity of groundwater, springwater, and surface water, and the order’s future implications for water rights administration and enforcement.
  • Kenneth Petruzzelli, Attorney, CA State Water Resources Control Board Office of Enforcement
  • Rachel Doughty, Attorney, Greenfire Law PC​​
  • Paul Kibel, Water and Power Law Group; Professor Emeritus at GGU [Moderator]
MCLE Materials
Panel 4
SGMA: A Decade in Review ​
Organized by UC Davis School of Law

Groundwater has always been a significant source of water in California. However, groundwater pumping was largely unregulated until the passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014. Over the last ten years, SGMA implementation has created a new infrastructure for groundwater management through the formation of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) and development of Groundwater Sustainable Plans (GSPs). GSAs & GSPs have varied in scope, content, ambition, and compliance. This panel will identify and discuss how implementation has succeeded and where SGMA can improve going forward.​
  • Tina Cannon Leahy, Staff Counsel, CA State Water Resources Control Board
  • Eric L. Garner, Managing Partner, Best Best & Krieger LLP
  • Sherri Norris, Executive Director, CA Indian Environmental Alliance
  • Tien Tran, Policy Advocate, Community Water Center
  • Nick Gray​, Programs Director, Water Education Foundation [Moderator]
MCLE Materials​
University of San Francisco, School of Law
Symposium Chairs
Sachiko Yoshitsugu
Sachiko is a 3L at the University of San Francisco School of Law. She is a USF Public Interest Law Foundation board member, a Senior Staffer for the USF Law Review, and is actively involved with the Environmental Law Student and Alumni Society. Most recently, she was an intern for the San Francisco City Attorney's Office Complex & Alternative Litigation Team. She interned for the Honorable Jon B. Streeter of the First District Court of Appeal during her 1L summer. She is particularly interested in learning about sustainable agricultural water management practices and water rights reform. She enjoys cooking, playing soccer, watching movies, and hiking in her free time. ​
Annie Llombart
Annie is a 2L at the University of San Francisco School of Law. Annie externed with the Public Utilities Team at the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office. She is a Junior Staffer for the USF Law Review and a board member for the Environmental Law Society and the Public Interest Law Foundation. During her 1L summer, she interned at Legal Aid of Sonoma County with the domestic violence team, and was a Research Assistant for USF's Professor Kaswan. Before law school, she worked on international environmental issues for the Spanish Delegation to the United Nations. Annie got her B.A.s in Environmental Studies and Politics from UC Santa Cruz. An outdoor enthusiast and long-time rock climber, she is passionate about providing balanced and sustainable environmental policies for all.
Grace Wainscoat
Grace is a 2L at the University of San Francisco School of Law. She currently serves on the board of the USF Environmental Law Student and Alumni Society and as a Co-President of the Women's Law Association. Grace obtained a B.S. in Society & Environment from UC Berkeley in 2021 and she is passionate about environmental and climate justice. Most recently, Grace externed in the California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District. In her free time, she enjoys open water swimming, yoga, and reading fiction. ​
Adrian Wong
Adrian is a 2L at the University of San Francisco School of Law. Adrian aspires to practice environmental law with a focus on environmental justice. His strong interest in addressing environmental justice issues stems from growing up in both the Bay Area and the Central Valley. Being a part of the Water Law Symposium inspires him to continue being an advocate in both the community and the legal field!
Panel Chairs
Golden Gate University School of Law
​Christine Eidt
Christine is a third-year law student interested in practicing environmental law with an emphasis on water law and land use. Christine is Editor in Chief for the GGU Environmental Law Journal, a member of the GGU Honors Lawyering Program, and the Environmental Moot Court Competition on behalf of GGU Law. Also, she has participated in legal experiences with the California State Water Board Office of Enforcement, Orange County Coastkeeper, and the GGU Environmental Law and Justice Clinic. Originally from Laguna Beach, California, she completed her undergraduate degree at San Diego State University with a degree in Political Science and minors in Sustainability and Spanish. Outside of her studies, Christine enjoys spending time outdoors and with friends, cooking, and creating new ceramic pieces.
UC Berkeley School of Law
Lia Foster 
Lia Foster is a 1L at Berkeley Law, where she is a member of the Ecology Law Quarterly. She received a BA in Geography/Environmental Studies from UCLA. She aspires to pursue a career in freshwater conservation and indigenous water rights in her home state of Hawaiʻi and California. ​
UC College of the Law, San Francisco
Lauren Uhlig
Lauren is a 3L at UC Law SF. Prior to law school, Lauren earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from George Washington University. At UC Law SF Lauren serves as a senior symposium editor for the UC Law Environmental Journal and has been a board member of the Environmental Law Association. Most recently, Lauren has worked for the State Water Resource Control Board in the Office of Enforcement and the Center for Food Safety. Before law school Lauren worked at a law firm serving the nonprofit community and at the Environmental Protection Agency in the Health and Ecological Criteria Division.

Hayden J. Richter
Hayden is a 2L at UC Law SF. Before attending law school Hayden studied Applied Human Nutrition and Nutritional Sciences at Cal Poly SLO, graduating in 2014, before having a career in professional fitness and real estate. His interest in environmental and conservation law comes from a deep love of hiking and fishing in the many beautiful areas of California, both coastal and inland. Hayden hopes to combine two sides of law with Intellectual Property and Environmental to help support America's expansive public land systems.
Stanford Law
Victor Wu
Victor is a 2L at Stanford Law School. He serves as Managing Editor of the Stanford Law Review, Editor-in-Chief of the Stanford Environmental Law Journal, and Co-President of the Stanford Environmental Law Society. During his 1L summer, he interned at US EPA and at the California Attorney General’s Environment and Natural Resources Sections. Victor got a B.A. in Government, Environmental Studies, and Quantitative Social Science from Dartmouth. In his free time, Victor enjoys triathlon, chess, rock climbing, and piano.
UC Davis School of Law
Christopher Mouawad
Christopher Mouawad is a second-year law student at the University of California, Davis School of Law. Since April 2023, he has interned with the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin. Christopher is a “double Aggie” who also holds a B.A. in History and Political Science-Public Service from UC Davis. His interest in water law began while growing up in drought-stricken Southern California. He looks forward to engaging in California water law & policy development after law school.​
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Dominic Moscatello
​Dominic is a general officer on the board of the Water Law Society at McGeorge School of Law. Dominic's interest in water law progressed when he was a legal research assistant for Nell Green-Nylen, the Senior Fellow at the Wheeler Water Institute at Berkeley Law. As a 2L at McGeorge, Dominic holds a permanent internship with the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (USBLM), in the Land Law Examiner’s Office, and he looks forward to his internship with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Office of Enforcement, in spring 2024.

Bailey Morrell
Bailey is a 2L at McGeorge. She is McGeorge's 2023-24 Water Law Society Treasurer and CA Water Law Symposium Co-Chairman. She grew up on her family’s cattle ranch and farming operation in Northern California, which ignited her passion for a career in water rights law. Bailey attended Colorado State University, where she obtained her B.S. in Agricultural Education, with a concentration in Agricultural Literacy, and a B.A. in Political Science, with a concentration in Environmental Politics and Policy. Recently, Bailey worked in a small civil transaction firm during the summer of 2023 and has accepted a Summer Associate position with Griswold LaSalle for the summer of 2024.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank You to Our Participating Schools
Copyright © 2022 California Water Law Symposium