Martha O. Pagel
Shareholder
503-540-4260 Direct (Salem)
503-796-2872 Direct (Portland)
503-507-7293 Cell
mpagel@schwabe.com
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Formatted Resume
Professional Experience
Martha Pagel is widely recognized as a leader in her focus areas of water law, natural resources and government relations. As a former Director of both the Oregon Water Resources Department and Department of State Lands, she offers clients unparalleled experience and insight into dealing with water and natural resources regulation. She has an established track record as a problem solver in dealing with complex water and natural resource issues.
Martha works with a wide range of clients - including farmers, ranchers, nurseries, vineyards, hard rock and aggregate mining operations, resorts and golf courses; municipal water providers and all types of landowners - on natural resource development issues. Focus areas include water rights, water storage, aquifer recharge, wetlands, waterway ownership and Endangered Species Act issues. She works with utilities, cities and regional water providers in planning, developing, and managing municipal water supply; and with large and small hydroelectric projects to secure water rights and navigate the complex layers of regulatory requirements. She works with agricultural and industrial water users on water supply strategies including conservation and efficiency programs, mitigation and watershed restoration, water right transfers, and in-stream leases. She also assists with natural resources mediation and served as the arbitrator for an interstate compact dispute relating to water allocation. She has a long record of accomplishment in working on policy development through Oregon's legislative process and agency rulemaking. Martha is a frequent speaker on water law, natural resources and the Endangered Species Act before her peers at Continuing Legal Education programs, as a guest lecturer in area law schools, and before industry groups.
Martha serves as the leader of the firm's Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources practice group, and is a member of the firm's Water Law and Mining Law teams.
Professional Accomplishments and Activities
Martha currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Water Resources Congress and is Chair of the Attorney Advisory Committee for the Western Resources Legal Center. She is a member of the prestigious American College of Environmental Lawyers, an invitational professional association of top environmental lawyers throughout the country. She has an "AV" Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and is listed among The Best Lawyers in America. She has been recognized by Oregon Super Lawyers for her work in Water and Natural Resources Law, and she holds a top ranking in Environmental Law from Chambers USA. Admitted to Practice
Oregon State Courts
Washington State Courts
United States District Court, District of Oregon
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit Publications
Ms. Pagel frequently contributes to the Oregon Insider, Western Water Law and Policy Reporter, and Water Report newsletters; as well as various trade publications on water and natural resources issues.
Education
Willamette University College of Law, Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude (1983)
San Diego State University, Bachelor of Arts degree, with highest honors (1976)
Articles
The Intersection of Federal ESA Regulations And State Water Law
Oregon Water Law Questions and Answers
Water Rights for Builders and Developers
Oregon Water Law Basics
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