Atty. Christopher "Chris" Thorne
With extensive experience in water law, Mr. Thorne effectively represents clients in water court litigation and related administrative proceedings, including adjudication of water rights, changes of water rights, and complex plans for augmentation.
Profile Summary
About Christopher "Chris" Thorne at a glance
Christopher "Chris" Thorne is an attorney based in Denver, Colorado, practicing at Greenberg Traurig. Admitted to practice in Colorado, Colorado Bar Association. Educated at University of Colorado at Boulder (J.D., 1990). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Water Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Water Rights (2026). Serands clients in Denver, CO and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- With extensive experience in water law, Mr. Thorne effectively represents clients in water court litigation and related administrative proceedings, including adjudication of water rights, changes of water rights, and complex plans for augmentation
- He also assists clients with water rights acquisitions and in the development and negotiation of water supply arrangements
- Mr. Thorne has substantial experience with project development and financing for energy companies developing water supplies for new projects, including power generation facilities, solar energy projects, wind turbine projects, and natural gas production and pipeline facilities
- His clients include municipal water providers, real estate developers, industrial water users, ranchers, farmers, and special districts
- Mr. Thorne also has experience in adjudicating recreational in-channel diversion water rights
- In addition, Mr. Thorne counsels clients on environmental compliance matters and environmental litigation under the Clean Water Act and other federal environmental programs
- Mr. Thorne chaired Holland & Hart's Water Practice Group for over ten years
- Prior to joining Holland & Hart, Mr. Thorne practiced in the Denver office of the international law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for five years
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Colorado
Practicing law in Colorado. Legal matters in Colorado are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Denver are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Colorado state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Colorado brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Colorado courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
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