Schroeder Law Offices proudly announces the promotion of Caitlin Skulan to Partner—a milestone that marks her six years of exceptional dedication, legal acumen, and leadership in the field of water law. Caitlin’s journey from a passionate law school graduate to a respected attorney and now Partner is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the firm’s mission and the communities it serves.

A Foundation Rooted in Water and Rural Life

Caitlin’s story begins in Northern Wisconsin, where she grew up on the shores of Lake Superior in a community deeply connected to agriculture and natural resources. Her early experiences on her family’s small farm and in the surrounding rural landscape instilled a lifelong appreciation for water and the people who depend on it. This passion led her to Northland College, where in 2016 she earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Science, graduating cum laude and receiving multiple scholarships for her academic excellence and environmental leadership.

Her undergraduate studies focused heavily on water sciences—hydrology, limnology, ichthyology, and wetland ecosystems—laying the groundwork for a career that would bridge science, law, and advocacy.

A Legal Career Built on Purpose

After moving to Oregon to attend law school at Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College, Caitlin Skulan began her legal journey by engaging with water quality issues in agricultural contexts. She worked with the Washington Farm Bureau Attorneys and later at The Freshwater Trust in Portland, where she helped secure funding for cooperative agricultural water conservation projects. These efforts aimed to modernize irrigation systems, improve water use efficiency, and enhance fish habitats—all while minimizing costs for farmers.

In 2019, Caitlin earned her Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Natural Resource and Environmental Law from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College. Her academic achievements included leadership roles in the Student Bar Association and the Public Interest Law Project, as well as recognition through the Dean’s Scholarship and the DuBoff Jones Endowed Scholarship.

Joining Schroeder Law Offices

Caitlin Skulan joined Schroeder Law Offices in August 2019, immediately bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to the Reno, Nevada office. Her decision to work in a boutique firm aligned with her desire for a close-knit, supportive environment where she could make a meaningful impact. Over the years, Caitlin has become a cornerstone of the firm’s water law practice, handling complex matters across agricultural, municipal, and irrigation district water use permitting, groundwater interference, public lands, and litigation.

She is admitted to practice in Nevada, Idaho, the Federal District Courts of both states, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals—an impressive credential list that reflects her broad legal reach and capability.

A Voice in the Water Law Community

Beyond her casework, Caitlin has contributed extensively to Schroeder Law Offices’ blog and public education efforts. Her writing spans topics such as corner crossing legal disputes, water quality regulations, rural homeownership challenges, and youth agricultural programs. Her ability to translate complex legal issues into accessible insights has made her a trusted voice in the water law community.

Caitlin has also led webinars and legislative updates, sharing her knowledge with water system operators and stakeholders across the region. Her work consistently reflects a deep understanding of the intersection between law, environment, and rural livelihoods.

A Life of Balance and Curiosity

Outside the office, Caitlin Skulan lives on a small farm where she enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family and dogs. Her love for travel is matched by her curiosity about global agricultural practices—whether visiting lemon orchards on the Amalfi Coast, vineyards in Tuscany, or regenerative farms in Hawaii. These experiences enrich her perspective and reinforce her commitment to sustainable resource management.

Looking Ahead

As Caitlin steps into her new role as Partner, Schroeder Law Offices celebrates not only her professional achievements but also the values she embodies: integrity, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her promotion is a reflection of her leadership, her contributions to the firm’s growth, and her impact on clients and colleagues alike.

Congratulations, Caitlin Skulan, on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to the continued evolution of your career and the many ways you will shape the future of water law.

Schroeder Law Offices Shareholder Therese Stix, as a Co-Chairperson of the Environmental and Natural Resource Law section, is organizing and assisting the Section put on the annual Meet & Greet event.  This will be the first time meeting since COVID shut downs.  Section members are invited to attend this fun social event. For more information, contact Therese at therese@water-law.com!

Schroeder Law Offices is pleased to announce that Caitlin Skulan has joined the firm as a new Associate Attorney in the Reno, Nevada office. Caitlin received her Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Natural Resource and Environmental Law from the Northwestern School of Law, at Lewis and Clark College in May of 2019.  Caitlin was admitted to the Nevada State Bar on October 16, 2019 and is looking forward to admission with the Federal District Court of Nevada on November 12, 2019. 

Caitlin gained experience in water law issues during her time with the Fresh Water Trust in Portland, Oregon. Her past experiences also include working with the Washington State Farm Bureau; the Western Resources Legal Center; the Ecology Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office; and Schwabe, Williamson, and Wyatt in Seattle, Washington.

Caitlin holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Natural Resource Science from Northland College, in Ashland, Wisconsin. Caitlin’s bachelor studies focused heavily in water sciences including hydrology, limnology, ichthyology, and wetland ecosystems.  

Caitlin grew up in Northern, Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Superior and in a community dependent on agriculture and logging. Caitlin spent her childhood working on her family’s hobby farm and orchards local to her hometown.  As a result, Caitlin developed an enthusiasm and empathy for rural life and a love for the water that fuels it.  Caitlin is excited to join Schroeder Law Offices and start working to solve water issues and connect with clients in the Northern Nevada community.

Schroeder Law Offices is pleased to announce that Attorney/Partner Sarah Liljefelt accepted the position of Water Resources Committee Chair for the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, beginning in the coming year. Sarah has been a member of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association for many years, and has been very active with the Oregon CattleWomen as Vice President and Legislative Committee Chair. She is excited to use her Oregon water resources knowledge to support and defend the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association’s water interests in the years to come.

Sarah’s new position was announced earlier this week when she presented at the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association’s Mid-Year Conference in Canyonville, Oregon. Sarah provided an update on the Klamath River Basin Adjudication and conjunctive surface water/groundwater management in the Klamath Basin. Some of the other highlights from the conference included an update of Western Resources Legal Center’s recent victories by Executive Director Caroline Lobdell (Sarah is a former WRLC law clerk), and a trip to Melrose Vineyards (https://www.melrosevineyards.com/) with the Oregon Cattlewomen – beautiful location, friendly staff, and great food and wine!

Incoming J.D. Paralegal (Attorney upon Bar passage) Jakob Wiley attended the University of California Cooperative Extension’s regular Rice Production Workshop held at Lundberg Family Farms in Richvale, California. The seminar was attended by farmers, local businesses, and water district personnel, providing a broad overview of rice production and the challenges faced by producers.

Water in rice production isn’t just about irrigation. Water serves a critical role in temperature regulation, weed control, and field management. For example, water is used to prevent excessive cooling of the rice flowers, which inhibits pollination. Exposure of the flower to cool temperatures can “blank” the rice (prevent the grain of rice from forming) and reduce yields. Water also acts as a blanket, keeping the flowers warm during cool nights. Careful management of water also ensures the safe use of pesticides and herbicides (and avoids costly fines). Water plays a critical role in the growth, development, and success of a rice field.

More information about rice production can be found in the 2018 Rice Production Workshop Manual available at http://rice.ucanr.edu/Reports-Publications/Rice_Production_Workshop_Manual/.

Jakob will add his new knowledge about rice production to his background in cattle ranching and alfalfa production to better assist with your water needs!

Stay tuned to Schroeder Law Offices’ Water Law Blog for more news that may affect you!

A lot has changed since 1909, when Oregon enacted its Water Code and the water use permit system began. Obtaining a water use permit can be a lengthy and detailed process. If you’re not careful you can limit the flexibility of your water permit through self-imposed conditions without realizing it.

For example, Schroeder Law Offices recently represented a business that stated on its groundwater permit application that it planned to use drip irrigation. The business did not plan to exclusively use drip, but drip was one form of irrigation used for part of its operation. As a result, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) proposed to impose a condition in the Proposed Final Order (PFO) that the business would be limited exclusively to drip irrigation. This would have significantly reduced the business’s flexibility and the marketability of its property in the future. However, our office was able to successfully remove the proposed condition from the water use permit that was issued.

This example provides an important reminder to very carefully prepare water use permit applications, and closely review OWRD’s initial reviews, proposed orders, and final orders/permits. Otherwise, water users may be subject to unnecessarily restricting permit conditions. Water use professionals, such as attorneys or consultants, can provide assistance to prepare permit applications and review OWRD documentation regarding the applications. Water use application forms are available on OWRD’s website, https://www.oregon.gov/OWRD/pages/index.aspx. For more information about water right processing see: http://www.water-law.com/water-rights-articles/get-an-oregon-water-right/.

Stay tuned to Schroeder Law Offices’ Water Law Blog for more news that may affect you!

This article was drafted with the assistance of Law Clerk Nathan Klinger, a student at Willamette Law School.

Attorney Sarah Liljefelt presented at Halfmoon’s Water Laws and Regulations seminar on June 7^th on the topic of Oregon Groundwater, teaching a group of engineers about groundwater ownership, regulation, and acquisition of groundwater use rights in Oregon. This week, on June 28^th, Sarah will present at the Oregon State Bar Environmental & Natural Resources Section’s “brownbag” continuing legal education seminar on the topic of groundwater regulation in the Klamath Basin in Oregon. Her co-presenter is Lisa Brown of WaterWatch, who will speak about groundwater in Harney County. If you are interested in attending, please visit the Section’s Events page or Schroeder Law Offices’ Coming Events page for more information. Sarah’s presentation materials are available on the Section’s Events page.

Stay tuned to Schroeder Law Offices’ Water Law Blog for more news!

On Wednesday, May 16, attorney Lindsay Thane and paralegal Rachelq Harman attended the Oregon Association of Water Utilities’  (OAWU’s) 3^rd Annual Mini Expo in Rickreall, Oregon. At the Expo, they had the opportunity to meet with representatives from water districts and municipalities from across the state of Oregon. Lindsay taught an hour-long class on public meeting laws and regulations. The presentation highlighted some of the aspects of community involvement that aren’t always at the forefront of our minds. Lindsay and Rachelq also manned the Schroeder Law Offices booth, where they were able to talk one-on-one with attendees and provide some very useful water conversion magnets to boot.

While the Mini Expo is now past, OAWU puts on events year-round. You can find their events calendar here. Schroeder Law is keeping busy too! Classes and seminars are scheduled throughout the summer. You can check out the complete list here.

Stay tuned to Schroeder Law Offices’ Blog for more news and events!

Schroeder Law Offices’ attorney Therese Ure is in attendance at the 2018 Family Farm Alliance Conference in Reno, NV and was present for the Reclamation Roundtable wherein Commissioner Brenda Bunman addressed the Family Farm Alliance (“FFA”) membership goals regarding conveying Reclamations under the current administration. Key points of the FFA goals include: 1) creating infrastructure to provide water security and reliable energy; 2) reinvesting to modernize existing infrastructure, and considering creative ways to pay for theses project (welcoming ideas and comments); 3) streamlining projects from the way they are managed to streamlining of the NEPA process; 4) collaborating to create new ideas, listening, sharing, and being transparent; and 5) creating a culture at Reclamation of safety, respect and civility.

Other key points in the Reclamation Roundtable with all the regional directors included a water forecast for 2018, discussion of what current storage will secure or not secure, and how to deal with long term planning by:

• a) creating additional storage through raising dams;
• b) investigating new storage locations (new dams); and
• c) aquifer storage and recovery projects (underground storage) undergoing feasibility studies, working on creative ways to deal with ESA issue, and collaborating with stakeholders.

In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) issued a joint administrative rule, the “WOTUS Rule,” attempting to define the statutory term “waters of the United States” within the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) in order to more clearly define the agencies’ jurisdiction. Schroeder Law Offices summarized the background and scope of the WOTUS Rule in a 2015 blog. The WOTUS Rule was stayed in 2015. Three year later, and after a ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States, litigation over the WOTUS Rule continues. 

On January 22, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued its unanimous opinion, written by Justice Sotomayor, which settled the jurisdictional question of where challenges to the WOTUS Rule must be filed. The Court held that challenges to the WOTUS Rule must occur in federal district court rather than courts of appeals. The case was remanded to the Sixth Circuit and dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

This decision by the Supreme Court will likely prolong litigation on the merits of the WOTUS Rule because a decision by a district court for either party is likely to be appealed. Environmentalists have applauded the proposed changes in the rule, while coalitions like the American Farm Bureau Federation and American Petroleum Institute have said the rule will stifle economic growth and add burdensome regulation on farmers and business owners because of expansion of CWA jurisdiction.

On July 27, 2017 the EPA and Corps published a notice of a new proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register. The agencies proposed to replace the stayed 2015 WOTUS Rule with their pre-2015 regulatory procedure. The agencies solicited public comment on the proposed procedure, although, making clear they did not seek public comment on the substance of the pre-2015 rule.

On February 6, 2018, the agencies published the final rule in the Federal Register. The final rule suspends the applicability of the 2015 WOTUS Rule until February 6, 2020. The agencies assert that the suspension of the rule gives agencies the time needed to reconsider the regulatory definition of “waters of the United States.” As reported by Capital Press, the same day the agencies published their final rule a lawsuit was filed by the Attorneys General of New York, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia in the Southern District of New York. Another lawsuit was filed by numerous environmental groups in Charleston, South Carolina District Court. Both lawsuits challenge the two-year delay in applicability of the WOTUS Rule.

The attorneys general and environmental groups both take the same positions on two issues in their complaints. First, the parties allege the agencies failed to provide meaningful opportunity for public comment in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”) because the agencies solicited comments solely on the procedure of the rule, proscribing comment on the substance of the pre-2015 rule. Second, the parties allege the agencies failed to consider all the relevant issues and offer a rational explanation for the suspension of applicability rule, another alleged violation of the APA.

The attorneys general and environmental groups differ in their last claim, however. The attorneys general claim that the CWA does not give the agencies authority to suspend the WOTUS Rule after its effective date passed. The environmental groups claim the agencies violated the APA by failing to publish the pre-2015 rule in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Stay tuned as Schroeder Law Offices brings you updates!

This article was drafted with the assistance of Law Clerk Derek Gauthier, a student at Lewis & Clark Law School.

Schroeder Law Offices is excited to announce that J.D. Paralegal Lindsay Thane passed the Oregon State Bar, and will be licensed to practice law in Oregon upon her swearing in ceremony scheduled for May 18^th, moving into the position of Associate Attorney.

Lindsay joined Schroeder Law Offices in their Portland, Oregon office in 2016 after graduating from the University of Montana School of Law. Lindsay is an avid runner and enjoys competing in local road races. She loves being outdoors hiking with friends and family. Lindsay has also spent many summers water skiing on Flathead Lake near her home town in Montana.

Schroeder Law Offices understands it can be a bit intimidating to contact a law firm when you encounter a problem you cannot solve alone. You are not alone:  Schroeder Law receives multiple initial potential client calls every day, and our goal is to listen, understand, and meet your goal to solve a problem in a cost effective and professional manner.

Unfortunately due to liability, attorneys cannot give legal advice on your initial, first-time call.  While it can be frustrating not to receive an immediate answer to what you may presume is a “quick legal question,” attorneys can only provide answers after conflicts are checked by running them through a system check and the client as well as the general issue are approved to be addressed by the firm.  All information requested of potential clients on the initial call is necessary in order to provide the best and most ethical advice and counsel possible.

When you call Schroeder Law Offices, your call is directed to an experienced member of our staff who will collect basic information and listen to the reason for your call. Below is a short list of the kinds of questions our staff will ask in order to determine what kind of legal assistance you need and if there are any potential conflicts that our office may encounter:

1. What is your contact info (phone number, email, mailing address)?
2. Where is the property at issue located? (we prefer lot descriptions)
3. What is the reason you are seeking legal help? (legal issue or goal for the representation)
4. What are the names or the people or companies and their attorneys (if you know them) that are involved?
5. Who is or might be opposed to what you are trying to accomplish?
6. Are there any immediate deadlines that you are facing?

Once we obtain the relevant information, we will run a conflict of interest check through our digital file system to ensure that any opposing parties are not current or previous clients, confirm that current or previous clients do not own or lease property near the property of concern, there is not a present  deadline that our firm cannot meet, or involve an issue that requires expertise other than what the firm may collectively lend its experience in addressing.

After we confirm there is no conflict, we pass the information to an attorney to review and help with next steps. Based on the next steps that our attorney advises, we will call or email you.  The response may be to offer you an initial attorney call at a flat fee, hourly fee or refer you to another attorney or organization better suited for your needs.  If a flat or hourly fee is involved, and you are interested in proceeding, a proposed fee agreement will be emailed to you.

Upon receipt of the flat or hourly fee agreement, we schedule an initial client conference between you and an attorney to understand your issue more fully, provide preliminary recommendations for moving forward, and legal advice in summary.  Following the initial client conference, you will receive a summary letter of any recommendations or advice provided in the conference.  The summary letter may also include a further contract for legal services with the scope of work tailored to fit your preferred course of action given the recommendations provided.

This process can take anywhere from twenty four hours to one week after conflicts are cleared. However, we understand how important the issues you call our office about are to you and we strive to work as quickly as possible to better serve you, the client!

If you are seeking an experienced Water Law attorney, you can call our office at:

Portland: 503-281-4100

Reno: 775-786-8800

Lindsay Thane

Schroeder Law Offices is happy to announce the newest addition the team, Lindsay Thane!  Lindsay Thane has accepted the position as JD Paralegal in the Portland, OR office.  Lindsay comes to Schroeder Law Offices from Montana where she received her J.D. from the University Of Montana School Of Law with a certificate in Natural Resource & Environmental Law.  Prior to Law School, Lindsay earned her B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon.  Lindsay has taken the Oregon State Bar exam and is currently awaiting the results with high hopes.

Lindsay brings a wide array of experience to Schroeder Law Offices including legal research, writing, and even judicial clinic experience.  Through her experience, Lindsay has spent valuable time in the natural resources field including positions with the U.S. Department of the Interior as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection agency.

We are looking forward to working with Lindsay!

Other Employment

Schroeder Law Office is currently looking for the right attorney to fill a vacancy in the Reno, NV office.  For more information regarding this position and how to apply, visit our website at: http://www.water-law.com/reno-attorney/

Schroeder Law Offices is proud to announce Portland’s Managing Attorney, Sarah Liljefelt, has been promoted to Junior Partner.  Sarah has been with the firm since 2009 as a law clerk, and joined the firm full time after receiving her Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College in 2010.

Sarah’s practice focuses in the areas of water rights, real property law, and litigation, licensed in both Oregon and California.  As a member of the Oregon State Bar Environmental and Natural Resources Law Executive Committee, Sarah has published extensively on natural resources law and related topics.

In addition to her focused practice areas, Sarah is active in the Portland community.  She is currently a Vice President of Oregon Cattle Women, and competes on the Oregon Women Lawyer’s “Dragonflies” dragon boat team.

Sarah was born and raised in California during a time of serious drought and is passionate about the importance of water resources for people, animals, and the production of food in the face of supply variations.

Laura Schroeder is an Oregon native, born and raised in the small agricultural area of Vale, Oregon. She earned her B.A. in 1972 from the University of Oregon and her J.D. in 1987 from Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark College. She is admitted to practice law in State and Federal Courts in Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Washington. Laura began her private practice with her father, William F. Schroeder, in Vale. She started her own firm in 1991 to better serve the needs of her clients involved in water resource matters.

Laura has long been respected in the water rights (water quantity) arena, representing businesses and municipalities in transactional and litigation matters. Her practice includes water rights acquisitions, sales, contracts, easements, well share and water delivery agreements, adjudications, permitting, extensions, transfers, certification, regulatory compliance and litigation of water rights disputes before state administrative bodies as well as State and Federal trial and appellate courts.

Laura Schroeder also has extensive experience working with the United States Bureau of Reclamation on behalf of her irrigation district clients in contract negotiations and title transfers. Her water rights emphasis has expanded by necessity to advise buyers and sellers in water use for real estate development including land use compliance.

As the demand for water quantity has increased with the population, Laura’s emphasis expanded into water quality issues including development of conservation and water management plans, instream leases, reuse and recharge permitting, wetlands maintenance, creation and mitigation, water quality permitting, storm drain permitting and use.

Formerly a preschool, high school and college teacher, Laura Schroeder uniquely involves her clients in the legal process of their cases. She provides educational opportunities for understanding the legal process. Her undergraduate degree in Theater makes Laura an engaging, entertaining, and sought-after speaker in the water law arena.

While these challenges find Laura engaged, she continues to provide consulting advice internationally on water law development and negotiations within and between countries in water allocation, development and management.

Laura Schroeder Outside the Office

Laura’s husband, Scott Borison, has over twenty-five years managed Schroeder Law.  Laura’s son Rob is a rancher-farmer in Lovelock, Nevada.  Her daughter Therese is Laura’s Nevada law partner.  Therese is also a partner with her husband, Dave Stix in the cattle business.  Sonja, Laura’s youngest daughter, is a nurse practitioner in Cardiology. Laura’s five grandchildren and one great grandchild enjoy frequent visits from her and their grandfather Scott.  Besides visiting family, Scott and Laura enjoy sailing, international travel and cruising, family history, remodeling, cross country skiing, and hiking. They continue to be active in their community of Sumpter, Oregon volunteering at the summer Flea Markets and fire department. They are also active at Milwaukie Lutheran Church in Milwaukie, Oregon. Scott is the Charter Liaison to the Scout Troop and Laura is on the Church’s Governing Council. 

Email: schroeder@water-law.com

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