Somach Simmons & Dunn | Attorneys at Law
Maximilian “Max” Bricker represents public and private clients across the western US on a variety of water-related matters, from facilitating water rights transactions to assisting with legislation to litigating before administrative agencies or in court. Prior to practicing water law, Max co-managed farming operations for his family’s 33-acre walnut orchard near Visalia, California. That real-world work experience shapes his understanding of the water supply challenges clients face amid varying climate conditions.
The Association of California Water Agencies awarded Max its 2021 Stephen K. Hall Water Law & Policy scholarship, given annually to a graduate student who is dedicated to working for a safe and stable water supply through sound water management policies. While at Sturm College of Law, Max was a staff editor and court reports editor for University of Denver Water Law Review.
Before law school, Max graduated from Cal Poly with degrees in Agricultural Systems Management and Agricultural Business. He has served as the General Manager of Henry Miller Water District near Bakersfield, California, and worked for J.G. Boswell Company where he oversaw the installation and operation of various irrigation systems and participated in the preparation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
In his free time, Max enjoys playing and watching sports, finding the best places to eat, and traveling domestically and internationally with friends and family.
Prosecute Colorado Water Court applications seeking to appropriate conditional water rights, extend the diligence period, or make conditional water rights absolute.
Assist with drafting Colorado legislation that became law regarding wastewater system issues with non-flushable wipes.
Testify at legislative committee hearing in support of Colorado legislation that became law regarding a prohibition on the installation of new non-functional turf.
Draft and finalize water rights transaction agreements.
Draft easement agreements for access to water structures across neighboring lands.
Advise clients on water rights due diligence associated with land acquisitions.
Represent clients facing intra-ditch operational disputes.
Prosecute complaints in Idaho State Court regarding constitutional issues with water rights administration.
Represent the City of Pocatello and American Falls-Aberdeen Ground Water District in administrative matters involving the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
Represent clients regarding water rights permit applications before the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
Draft and finalize ditch operations agreement.
Represent clients regarding contract dispute between neighbors over water deliveries.
Advise clients on compliance with California and federal laws and regulations, including regulations regarding PFAS.
Represent clients with wastewater discharges permitting before California’s Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Represent clients regarding United States Forest Service Special Use Permits for access to water diversion structures.
Represent Klamath Project irrigation districts in the state of Oregon’s Klamath Basin Adjudication.
Represent irrigation districts and growers in various federal litigation matters pertaining to the operation of the Klamath Reclamation Project.
