Education

J.D., 1996, University of Colorado School of Law
M.A., 1993, University of California at San Diego
B.A., 1990, University of California at Berkeley

Admitted

California
Oregon

Distinctions

Memberships

Community Involvement

Michael T. Fife

Mike's practice concentrates on water resources use and management.
Mike has been involved with the water industry for over 15 years and in this time has gained extensive experience in the negotiation and litigation of all types of water supply issues. He routinely handles matters ranging from simple contractual negotiations between two individuals, to litigation of complex basin adjudications involving thousands of parties.

Mike's transactional experience includes the development and acquisition of water supplies, water rights due diligence and transfers, and infrastructure development and use. His litigation experience includes matters in superior court, appellate court, and in front of state administrative agencies. Mike works with all sectors of the water use community including municipal water supply entities, private water users, agricultural interests, and the development industry.

Representative Matters

Santa Maria Groundwater Basin Adjudication Phase III Trial Team Member, Santa Clara County Superior Court (October 2004).
General Counsel, Chino Basin Watermaster, under the case Chino Basin Municipal Water District v. City of Chino, San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. RCV 51010. March 2000 to present. 
Special Water Counsel, City of Indio. Assist City of Indio in disputes and litigation regarding water use and management of the Coachella Groundwater Basin. 2008 to present.
Lead Counsel, Lake Arrowhead Enforcement Hearing, State Water Resources Control Board (November 2005) representing the Arrowhead Lake Association.
Lead Counsel, Antelope Valley Groundwater Adjudication, Los Angeles Superior Court, Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding 4408 (Ongoing) representing long-time water user landowners. 2002 to present.
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Publications & Presentations

"Water Resources Issues in Southern California,"  American Groundwater Trust Annual Conference, Ontario, CA, February, 7, 2011
"2010 Roundtable Discussion on Common Issues Facing Urban Water Suppliers Preparing UWMP,"  Southern California Water Committee, Facilitator in the Legal Discussion, August 18, 2010.
"Water Witching: The New Reality - Creative Solutions to Serve Development in Times of Water Scarcity,"  California Real Property Journal, Volume 27, Number 4, p. 42-56. 
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