Expertise & Efficiency
![La Plata Mountains Panorama](https://merrillwaterlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Version-2-1.jpg)
![Squaw Creek and willows](https://merrillwaterlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DSCN0741.jpg)
![Stilling Well-Plan](https://merrillwaterlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_2707.jpg)
Profile
Merrill Law is an efficient modern law practice with competitive rates. Traditional offices have high overhead driving high billing rates. Yet most water law issues do not require a large office or a team of lawyers. Instead, clients want the most economical and efficient way to manage their water rights so they can focus on their business. I am listening.
I am based out of a home office. I meet with clients at their offices or water project sites and rent conference space when and where it is convenient. I incorporate technology to save time and automate routine work. Limiting my overhead allows me to offer a lower billing rate.
If you have a water rights issue in Colorado, I invite you to contact me and discuss whether I can help. You will be surprised how much a driven and efficient lawyer can accomplish.
Experience
I started Merrill Law LLC after a dozen years, including 8 as a partner at the longtime Denver water law firm White & Jankowski, LLP. Our focus was large and contentious water cases — the perfect environment to learn water law and complex litigation. Working on successive cases set for multi-week trials, I spent thousands of hours strategizing, working with expert witnesses, writing briefs, taking depositions and managing discovery.
I have represented clients in district court and water court trials, including a three week trial during 2021. I have also briefed and argued cases before the Colorado Supreme Court. When litigation is necessary, I am an experienced and effective advocate.
Settlement is the best resolution for most water issues. I work directly with opposing counsel to resolve disputes and have frequently represented clients in mediation. Colorado is fortunate to have multiple former water judges working as mediators and I have learned from their techniques resolving several long-term water disputes.
Now I bring that experience and expertise to clients of Merrill Law LLC. The burden of proof falls on the party who wants to win. I always prepare to carry it.
Education
Lewis and Clark Northwestern School of Law, 2006 | cum laude
Colorado College, 2003 | Environmental Science | magna cum laude
Reported Cases
LoPresti v. Brandenburg, 267 P.3d 1211 (Colo. 2011)
San Antonio, Los Pinos and Conejos River Acequia Preservation Association v. Special Improvement District No. 1 of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, 270 P.3d 927 (Colo. 2011)
![Water Droplets on a Leaf](https://merrillwaterlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Version-2.jpg)