Somach Simmons & Dunn | Attorneys at Law

Paul Simmons is a Somach Simmons & Dunn founder who retired from the practice of law in 2025 after a long and successful career in the fields of water and environmental law that not only earned him a national reputation as a lawyer, but the admiration of his law partners, clients and the Western water law community.

Paul’s interest in agriculture is rooted in his farm upbringing in northwest Missouri. His journey as a lawyer started with degrees from Grinnell College and Cornell Law School and grew into the representation of numerous public agency and private clients in regulatory matters and litigation in connection with water rights, the Endangered Species Act, federal and state water quality laws, and other environmental matters. For much of his career, he was closely associated with his representation of Klamath Project contractors in the ongoing Klamath River Basin adjudication where he sought to protect and maintain water supplies for agricultural irrigation. He also represented the Klamath Water Users Association in water rights and regulatory matters concerning the Klamath Project and in negotiations related to the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. Prior to retiring, he was admitted to practice law in New York, California and Oregon and was a sought-after writer and speaker.

Although retired, Paul’s affinity for water and environmental law continues. The firm hopes to inspire and support future generations of scholars and practitioners in these fields. Accordingly, the firm has established the Paul S. Simmons Legacy Scholarship to honor water resources and environmental advocacy and provide financial assistance to law students with a demonstrated interest in these fields.