Stephen A. Walker

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 rule making 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.

Seminole Tribe of Florida Tribal Update, AWRA Florida Annual Meeting, August 2022

Lake Okeechobee and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Environmental Permitting Summer School, July 2022

The Proposed "Waters of the United States" Rule: Clearer or more confusing?, Journal American Water Works Association, September 2014

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Fight for Quantified Federal Water Rights in Montana: A Contentious History, June 2013

2011 Water Supply Planning Issues, Stephen Walker at the AWRA Quarterly Meeting, September 2012

Working with Native Americans on Water Issues, May 2012

Challenges & Opportunities: The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Water Rights Experience, August 2011

Takings Law: Before & After, Stop the Beach Renourishment, Inc. V. FDEP, October 2010

What Do You Do When the Government Shows Up?, October 2009

Ninth Circuit Holds that Jurisdictional Determinations from U.S. Army Corps Are Not Judicially Reviewable: Practical Considerations, Water Quality and Wetlands Committee Newsletter, January 2009

Florida Water Resources: Surface and Stormwater Management, The Florida Bar Journal, co-author, May 1982

The Florida Bar, Environmental and Land Use Law Section, Former Executive Council Member

Palm Beach County Bar Association, Member

American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy and Resources, Member

Corkscrew Regional Watershed Council, Trustee and General Counsel

South Florida Manufacturers Association, Board Member, Chair of Government Affairs Committee

Gulf Stream Council, Boy Scouts of America, Board Member

Appointed to the Florida Chamber Foundation Six Pillars Caucus, Infrastructure and Growth Leadership

General Counsel, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), 1985-1991

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

General Counsel, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1983-1985

Involved in the development and adoption of the Surface Water Management Permitting Program and the Water Shortage Plan

Martindale Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation, 2008-present, Lawyer of the Year in Environmental Law, West Palm Beach, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2024; Lawyer of the Year in Environmental Litigation, West Palm Beach, 2017 and 2024

Florida Super Lawyers, 2006-2018

Listed in Chambers and Partners USA Guide, an annual listing of the leading lawyers and law firms in the world, 2004-present

Who's Who Legal Florida: Environment, 2020

Palm Beach Illustrated Magazine Top Lawyer in Environmental Law, 2018-present

Listed as a Top Lawyer in Environmental Law, South Florida Legal Guide, 2013-present

The International Who's Who of Environmental Lawyers, 2010 and 2008