Christopher "Chris" Thorne

With extensive experience in water law, Mr. Thorne effectively represents clients in water court litigation and related administrative proceedings, including adjudication of water rights, changes of water rights, and complex plans for augmentation. He also assists clients with water rights acquisitions and in the development and negotiation of water supply arrangements. Mr. Thorne has substantial experience with project development and financing for energy companies developing water supplies for new projects, including power generation facilities, solar energy projects, wind turbine projects, and natural gas production and pipeline facilities. His clients include municipal water providers, real estate developers, industrial water users, ranchers, farmers, and special districts. Mr. Thorne also has experience in adjudicating recreational in-channel diversion water rights. In addition, Mr. Thorne counsels clients on environmental compliance matters and environmental litigation under the Clean Water Act and other federal environmental programs. Mr. Thorne chaired Holland & Hart's Water Practice Group for over ten years. Prior to joining Holland & Hart, Mr. Thorne practiced in the Denver office of the international law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for five years.