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Stephen A. Walker

Of Counsel | West Palm Beach

Mr. Walker’s practice focuses primarily on water resources, environmental and administrative law and has over 40 years of experience in environmental and water-related issues in Florida.

Areas of Practice

  • 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.

Publications and Presentations

Professional, Civic and Community Involvement

  • 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

Previous Professional Experience

  • 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

Awards and Recognitions

  • 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

Practices

Industries

Education

  • J.D., with honors, University of Florida, College of Law, 1974

  • B.S., with honors, Pennsylvania State University, 1969