Days & Times
Noon PDT/1 p.m. MDT/2 p.m. CDT/3 p.m. EDT
Course Location
Online
Complex water conflicts often get resolved by settlement. The parties can be numerous, with several sovereigns involved. Other conflicts involve disputes between non-sovereign water users and other interests. Executive branch agencies may take the lead in water settlements, to engage the conflicting parties, which may include their agencies. The conflict may involve different kinds of issues, more than water rights. It may touch on fishery protection, instream flows, restitution, and land use. Settlement may not be possible until foundational legal issues can be adjudicated.
In this webinar, Montana Water Judge Stephen Brown and former Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael L. Connor will share their experience and perspective on settling water disputes and how judges can facilitate those settlements. They will share their experience as water lawyer, judge, mediator, legislative staffer, and executive branch official in settlements of complex water conflicts.
During this course, you will learn to:
- Engage the parties in complex water litigation to identify the key legal issues of the water conflict that require resolution for the parties to begin settlement discussions
- Analyze complex water litigation to identify the most central legal issues whose resolution may facilitate settlement by the parties.
- Establish a structure to ensure participation from all interested parties and organize multi-party settlement conferences.
- Structure a hearing process to resolve the key issues impeding settlement and to establish a process for court approval of settlement agreements.
Complex water conflicts often get resolved by settlement. The parties can be numerous, with several sovereigns involved. Other conflicts involve disputes between non-sovereign water users and other interests. Executive branch agencies may take the lead in water settlements, to engage the conflicting parties, which may include their agencies. The conflict may involve different kinds of issues, more than water rights. It may touch on fishery protection, instream flows, restitution, and land use. Settlement may not be possible until foundational legal issues can be adjudicated.
In this webinar, Montana Water Judge Stephen Brown and former Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael L. Connor will share their experience and perspective on settling water disputes and how judges can facilitate those settlements. They will share their experience as water lawyer, judge, mediator, legislative staffer, and executive branch official in settlements of complex water conflicts.