Lawyers
Maria O’Brien - Shareholder
I practice in the following areas:
Energy and Utilities, Environmental, Litigation, Regulatory Practice, Water Resources and Quality, Renewable Energy
Practice
Ms. O'Brien is a member of Modrall Sperling's Natural Resources Department. She represents clients from both the public and private sector, primarily in the areas of water resources, water quality, and related regulatory matters including NEPA and Endangered Species Act compliance. She represents clients before the New Mexico State Engineer, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, and in state and federal court. Her practice includes permitting of water projects, the purchase and lease of water rights, water utility matters, litigation involving protection and acquisition of water resources, water planning and water quality issues. She regularly publishes and lectures regarding western water and water-related issues.
Representative Clients
- BHP Billiton
- City of Carlsbad
- City of Albuquerque
- City of Rio Rancho
- Public Service Company of New Mexico
- New Mexico Water Service Company
Professional Activities
- Western States Water Council
- American Bar Association, Section of Natural Resources Energy and Environmental Law
Honors
- Martindale Hubbell BV Peer Review Rated
- Named in Chambers USA 2007 Directories of America's Leading Lawyers for Business: Environment, Natural Resources & Regulated Industries: Water Supply Litigation
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2007, Water Law (results derived from a lawyer survey)
Education
- University of New Mexico School of Law, Juris Doctor, December, 1991, magna cum laude
- M.S. Thesis University of Rhode Island, M.S. Botany, 1988, magna cum laude, The effect of copper on the sexual reproduction of Laminaria saccharina.
- Connecticut College, B.A. 1984 (Human Ecology), cum laude
Prior Experience
Ms. O'Brien served as law clerk from 1992-1994 to the Honorable James A. Parker, Chief Judge, the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.
