Ronda L. Sandquist

Ronda L. Sandquist

Shareholder

Background

Diverse experience managing environmental issues. Creates effective strategies for permitting of new or expanding projects. Develops innovative approaches to regulatory compliance. 

Ronda advises owners and developers of major projects on environmental and natural resource permitting, regulatory compliance and legislative issues—the scope, of which often trigger federal environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Leading technical and legal teams, she applies her thorough knowledge of environmental frameworks and alternative compliance strategies to seamlessly get projects through the approval process. Previously, Ronda was special assistant attorney general, representing the state of Montana on the siting of major energy projects and litigation challenging alleged federal preemption of Montana’s siting and environmental laws. 

No stranger to guiding clients through regulatory hurdles as they extract, develop and market resources, clients across diverse industries—public utilities, oil and gas, mining real estate development and cannabis to name a few—seek out her counsel. Ronda develops innovative approaches to environment compliance. From rain water harvesting to water quality trading, she finds solutions to complex problems. Her work defending clients on high-stakes interdisciplinary environmental issues and claims has helped companies avoid potential million dollar penalties. 

Ronda’s list of achievements also includes serving as special administrative law judge adjudicating water rights and providing counsel on the Yellowstone River Compact.

Insights & Publications

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., 1979, Lewis & Clark Law School
  • B.A., 1973, Colorado Women’s College (University of Denver)

Admissions

  • Colorado
  • Montana
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Memberships

Colorado Bar Association

Denver Bar Association

Colorado Women's Bar Association, Vice President, 2000 – 2001

Water Quality Trading Advisory Committee, World Resources Institute, 2007 – 2008

Community Involvement

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Board of Directors, Sense of Security

Co-Founder, Denver Independent Network of Restaurants, 2008

Gala Committee, Greenway Foundation, 2014 - 2016

Chair, Champagne & Diamonds Fundraiser, Sense of Security, 2002 – 2004

Recognition

AWARDS:

"Ronda is excellent. She's good on water issues." – Chambers USA, 2023

"A really good lawyer who is prepared and detail-oriented." "Excellent water quality attorney." – Chambers USA, 2021

Best Lawyers in America, 2006-2024

Chambers USA, 2014-2023

Lawdragon, 500 Leading U.S. Environmental Lawyers, 2021, 2023

Jeffrey S. Rugg Pro Bono Award, 2020

Who's Who in Energy, Denver Business Journal, 2016-2019

Top Women in Energy, Denver Business Journal, 2017-2019

American Planning Association (Colorado) Presidents Award, 2009

Water Quality Trading Advisory Committee, World Resources Institute, 2007- 2008

Denver Regional Council of Governments Distinguished Service Award, 2002

Colorado Women’s Bar Association, Vice-President, 2000-2001

National Planning Award, American Planning Association, 1993 & 2009