Wyatt E. Rolfe
Professional Experience
Mr. Rolfe focuses his practice on water rights, water management and water purveyor compliance by providing consultation on issues such as water right development/permitting, groundwater interference/connection, regulatory compliance, easements, water conveyances, drainage law and contracting. His practice includes service as special counsel to local governments and utilities in matters such as surface and ground water management, domestic water supply and utility rates. He has consulted and represented clients through various permitting and compliance matters before state and federal agencies including:
- Oregon Department of Water Resources
- U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers
- United State Forest Service
- Oregon Public Utility Commission
- Oregon Division of State Lands
- Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board
- United States Bureau of Reclamation
Prior to law school, Mr. Rolfe worked several years in the transportation industry for a multi-billion dollar logistics company. There he served purchasers, processors, and growers of numerous agricultural commodities. His clients ranged from individual farmers to one of the largest fresh carrot shippers in the world.
Community Associations
In the community, Mr. Rolfe serves as a member of the Western Resources Legal Center attorney advisory committee. He is a member of the Oregon and Washington Ground Water Associations, Nevada Water Resources Association, Washington State Water Resources Association and Oregon Section of the American Water Resources Association. Mr. Rolfe also supports crime victims’ rights through membership with the National Association of Victims’ Rights Attorneys.
Education
- Northwestern School of Law, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon, 2006, J.D.
- Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law
- 2005 and 2006 Pro Bono Honors Award Recipient
- Scholar List member Spring 2005 and 2006
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 1994
- B.A. Sociology, Spanish minor, interdisciplinary studies in criminal justice
Bar Admissions
- Oregon, 2006
- Nevada, 2007
- Washington, 2011
- U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
- U.S. District Court, District of Nevada
- United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Oregon Bar Association
- Chair-Elect, Agricultural Law Section
- Real Estate and Land Use Section
- Multnomah Bar Association
- Oregon City Attorneys Association
Past Speaking Engagements
“Municipal Extensions” Oregon Association of Water Utilities Municipal Short School, August 18, 2008, Seaside, Oregon
“Staying Legal”, Oregon Ground Water Association Fall Convention, October 24, 2008, Eagle Crest, Oregon
“Common Mistakes of Irrigation District Boards and How to Avoid Them”, Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting 2010, Fort Collins, Colorado
“Preparing a Water Management Plan”, Oregon Association of Water Utilities 2010 Summer Classic, August 26, 2010, Seaside, Oregon
“Contract Workshop”, Oregon Ground Water Association Fall Convention, October 2010, Eagle Crest, Oregon
“Understanding Your Water Right”, Water and Environmental Center, May 16, 2011, Walla Walla, Washington
“Municipal Water Rights: Protection and Management”, Oregon Association of Water Utilities, March 3, 2010, Sunriver, Oregon, and August 23, 2011, Seaside, Oregon
“Washington Water Rights Boot Camp”, Washington State Ground Water Association Fall Convention, Oct. 14, 2011, Everett, Washington
Publications
National Crime Victim Law Center News, Reporting Crime: A Victim’s First Amendment Right, 2004, with Meg Garvin.
Oregon Ground Water Association, Construction Lien Basics: Diligence Pays Off, Oregon Ground Water Association Fall 2006 Newsletter
American Bar Association, Environment, Energy, and Resources Law Year in Review 2006, coauthored Oregon report with Laura A. Schroeder and Lynn Steyaert
American Bar Association, Environment, Energy, and Resources Law Year in Review 2007, coauthored Oregon report with Laura A. Schroeder