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Stephen A. Walker
Shareholder

Areas of Practice

  • Over 30 years experience in environmental and water-related issues in Florida.
  • Special environmental counsel to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Advises and advocates for the Tribe on Everglades issues, water rights, Clean Water Act issues and various state and federal regulatory matters.  
  • Represents water users in consumptive use and environmental permitting, water use litigation and advocating for proactive water supply development strategies affecting the industry.
  • Assisted in drafting and advocating sound water and wastewater reuse legislation and rulemaking on behalf of utility clients and development clients.
  • Federal and state environmental permitting of major development projects including obtaining permits through the Water Management Districts, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Prior Professional Experience

  • General Counsel, South Florida Water Management District (1985-1991).
  • General Counsel, Southwest Florida Water Management District (1983-1985).
  • As General Counsel for South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), negotiated a historic Water Rights Compact between the Seminole Tribe and SFWMD.
  • Negotiated Everglades Settlement Agreement with Federal government.
  • Developed the legal framework for most SFWMD regulatory programs including consumptive use, water shortage, wetlands and surface water management.
  • As General Counsel for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, was involved in the development and adoption of the Surface Water Management Permitting Program and the Water Shortage Plan.

Professional, Civic and Community Involvement

  • The Florida Bar, Environmental and Land Use Law Section, Executive Council, Former Council Member.
  • Palm Beach County Bar Association, Member.
  • American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy and Resources, Member.
  • “Ninth Circuit Holds that Jurisdictional Determinations from U.S. Army Corps Are Not Judicially Reviewable: Practical Considerations,” Co-Authored with Tara W. Duhy, American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy and Resources, Water and Wetlands Committee Newsletter, January 2009.
  • Co-author: "Florida Water Resources: Surface and Stormwater Management," The Florida Bar Journal (May 1982).
  • Corkscrew Regional Watershed Council, Trustee and General Counsel.
  • South Florida Manufacturers Association, Board Member, Chair of Government Affairs Committee.
  • Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rating.
  • Gulf Stream Council, Boy Scouts of America, Board Member.
  • Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyer and Who’s Who Legal.
  • Appointed to the Florida Chamber Foundation Six Pillars Caucus – Infrastructure and Growth Leadership