Somach Simmons & Dunn | Attorneys at Law
Michael provides legal representation and strategic counsel on water rights, water quality, and water-related legislation to municipalities, water and wastewater providers, Indian tribes, universities, ditch companies, developers, and private ranches, resorts, and landowners. He brings a blend of private practice and public interest experience to a dynamic practice that spans representation of both large and small entities in water rights matters across the country.
Michael advises municipal water suppliers with complex integrated systems on protecting and expanding their water rights portfolios, helps regulated entities navigate complicated water quality regulations, assists landowners in understanding their decreed and undecreed water rights, negotiates comprehensive agreements for ditch companies and developers, and defends water users’ rights in court. He regularly appears before state and federal courts, agencies, and commissions and counsels clients on federal, state, and local water-related regulation and administration.
Michael’s years living and working in Indian County inform his approach to matters involving tribal interests. Before joining the firm, he worked in the Navajo Nation’s attorney general office, where he provided legal representation and counsel to the tribal departments of land, environmental protection, fish and wildlife, and historic preservation. His first position after law school graduation was with DNA-People’s Legal Services, where he worked as a felony public defender for the Hopi Tribe.
Outside of the office, Michael enjoys exploring the outdoors in Colorado and around the world—on foot, boat, bike, and skis.
Prosecute water court applications seeking new and changing existing water rights in the water courts for all seven of Colorado’s water divisions.
Litigate appeals of water court and agency decisions, including in the Colorado Supreme Court and U.S. District Courts.
Represent parties in administrative proceedings before state and federal regulatory bodies, including the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, and Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Assist with moving forward state and federal water-related legislation, including SB23-150 (Colorado), SB23-267 (Colorado), and H.R.1729 & S.365 – 199th Congress (2025-2026).
Draft and negotiate agreements involving water rights, service, and administration for municipalities, private property owners, ditch companies, homeowners’ associations, and resource management agencies.
