Courtney M. Shephard

Courtney M. Shephard

Associate

Background

Public lands, energy, water and natural resources attorney. Emerging Colorado leader in carbon management and climate change issues.

Courtney Shephard counsels energy, mining and recreation companies on compliance with federal environmental laws and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. For players in the industrial carbon management space, Courtney negotiates leases for carbon dioxide sequestration (i.e., pore space) and has expertise in Class VI permitting. She represents clients in development planning, permitting and rulemaking proceedings before the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (formerly the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission). Courtney handles administrative appeals within the Bureau of Land Management and before the Interior Board of Land Appeals.

Courtney also works with Colorado municipalities, special districts and private companies on water supply and water-related infrastructure projects and represent clients in Colorado water court proceedings.

With an eye for upcoming regulatory priorities and emerging issues, Courtney draws on her multifaceted experience to develop creative solutions for her clients. Courtney co-taught interdisciplinary climate change economics and policy courses as a visiting instructor at Colorado College, and guest lectured on state water law and policy. She also has prior consulting and research experience in environmental law and policy and greenhouse gas emissions. Prior to Brownstein, she worked at two Denver-area law firms focusing on natural resources law.

Representative Matters

Insights & Publications

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., University of Colorado Law School
  • M.E.M., 2011, Duke University
  • B.A., 2009, The Colorado College

Admissions

  • Colorado
  • New Mexico
  • Wyoming

Memberships

Planning Committee, 2023 FNREL National Environmental Policy Act Special Institute

Co-Chair, 2022 FNREL Commercial Renewable Energy Project Development Special Institute

The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Programs Committee

The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Renewable Energy Task Force

The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Trustees Council

Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy
 

Recognition

AWARDS:

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, 2021-2024