Shonee D. Langford

Senior Counsel

503-540-4261 Direct (Salem)
503-796-2896 Direct (Portland)
slangford@schwabe.com

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Shonee Langford focuses his practice in the areas of environment, energy, natural resources and administrative law, with an emphasis in Oregon and Washington water law. He advises individuals, businesses and local governments concerning water rights matters and other natural resource issues, and represents clients in administrative hearings before state agencies. Mr. Langford also assists clients with a variety of private transactions involving water.

He enjoys the great outdoors and is always looking forward to his next adventure, whether it is hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing or downhill skiing.

Professional Experience

Water Rights Analysis

Conduct water rights audits to confirm water rights of record and flag potential issues
Carry out due diligence review for transactions involving water rights
Advise clients regarding options for sale or modification of existing rights
Interpret water rights
Develop strategies for preservation and/or rehabilitation of existing rights

Permitting/Regulatory Advice

Evaluate options for obtaining new water rights
Prepare and pursue approval of applications for water use permits (including surface water, groundwater and storage projects), permit extensions, water right transfers, limited licenses and other authorizations
Represent clients in agency enforcement matters
Oversee instream transfers and leasing, and creation of mitigation credits
Pursue state and federal removal-fill permitting for waterway/wetland projects and advise regarding potential permit exemptions
Represent clients before state administrative agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department, Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of State Lands; the Washington Department of Ecology; and before federal agencies, including the Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers

Transactions

Represent buyers and sellers of water rights and water right mitigation credits
Draft water right purchase/sale and option agreements
Advise landowners and tenant water users of rights and obligations with respect to water rights
Prepare agreements for users of shared wells, water systems and reservoirs
Secure irrigation contracts for use of water from federal projects

Public Entities

Represent municipalities and special districts in water right matters
Form public and quasi-public water entities under state statutes and intergovernmental agreements

Professional & Community Activities
Mr. Langford has authored numerous articles on water law topics. He is a member of the Oregon and Washington State Bars, and a former member of the Willamette Law Review.

Mr. Langford serves as a volunteer lawyer for Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt's low-income legal clinic and as a law student mentor for Willamette University College of Law. He is a member of the Salem Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a volunteer leader for his son's Boy Scout troop, and serves as an organist at his church. He is also a member of the Chemeketans outdoor club.

Publications
Mr. Langford co-authored the 2006 Supplement to the Oregon State Bar's Continuing Legal Education chapter on water law.

Recent Presentations
"Transactional Issues and Concerns Regarding Water Rights," The Seminar Group, 21^st Annual Oregon Water Law Conference, Portland, OR (November 9, 2012)
"Water Easements," Law Seminars International, Easements and CCRs CLE, Portland, OR (September 19, 2012)
"Riparian Ownership Issues and Water Rights," HalfMoon Seminars, Land Boundaries and Access Rights CLE, Clackamas, OR (April 19, 2012)
"Water Law Basics," Wallowa Resources' Seminar on Water Issues and Challenges, Joseph, OR (November 16, 2011)

Admitted to Practice
Oregon State Courts
Washington State Courts

Education
Willamette University College of Law, Juris Doctor degree, cum laude (2004)
Portland State University, Bachelor of Arts degree, with highest honors (2000)

Articles
Oregon DEQ and U.S. EPA Issue New Pesticide General Permits, February 9, 2012
Oregon Court of Appeals Clarifies Standing Requirements for Challenging Permit Amendments, January 18, 2011
Klamath Tribes and Dam Owner Reach Water Right Settlement, June 1, 2010
Full Steam Ahead for the Umatilla Basin Aquifer Restoration Project, April 19, 2010
Risky Business - Buying a Water Right Without the Land, April 24, 2007
Oregon Water Law Basics