Atty. D. Lee Decker

Atty. D. Lee Decker

Lee practices environmental law relating to water quality, water rights, environmental compliance auditing, solid and hazardous waste, mining and mined land reclamation and remediation, toxic substances and Superfund matters. With nearly 25 years experience, Lee has a nationally-recognized water quality practice and works closely with his clients on the federal, state and local levels to develop workable strategies to promote development and expansion of both industrial and mining operations.

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Environmental Law & More Attorney · Serving Phoenix, AZ

Profile Summary

About D. Lee Decker at a Glance

D. Lee Decker is a litigation and environmental attorney based in Phoenix, Arizona, practicing at Gallagher & Kennedy PA. Admitted to practice in Arizona, State Bar of Arizona. Educated at Brigham Young University (J.D., 1990) and Brigham Young University (BA, 1987). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law (2026). Serves clients in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About D. Lee Decker

Lee practices environmental law relating to water quality, water rights, environmental compliance auditing, solid and hazardous waste, mining and mined land reclamation and remediation, toxic substances and Superfund matters. With nearly 25 years experience, Lee has a nationally-recognized water quality practice and works closely with his clients on the federal, state and local levels to develop workable strategies to promote development and expansion of both industrial and mining operations. In working with major industrial, mining, construction and development clients, Lee has honed his keen expertise in the field of environmental law and an unwavering commitment to professionalism. In 2012, Lee was named among the “Best Lawyers in America,” along with nearly two thirds of his fellow G&K shareholders.

Representative Experience

  • Representing major industrial clients in obtaining water quality, water rights, and other environmental and natural resources-related permits and approvals on both a federal and state level.
  • Representing major mining clients in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico in obtaining resources related to permits and approvals for continuing operations, mine expansions, and new mines.
  • Conducting environmental compliance audits at domestic and international industrial facilities, including facilities located in Canada, Chile, and Venezuela.
  • Representing industrial and mining clients in the preparation of comments and lobbying on federal and state environmental statutes and rules. Most recently, Lee participated in the development of federal and state stormwater permitting rules, solid waste management rules, surface water and groundwater quality standards, and state safe drinking water regulations.
  • Representing major construction, mining, and development clients in determining and preserving the legal status of federal and state mining claims.

    Practice Areas Explained

    D. Lee Decker's Areas of Legal Practice

    Each practice area below reflects the types of cases D. Lee Decker handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Phoenix.

    Civil Litigation in Phoenix

    Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

    D. Lee Decker is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Arizona →

    Environmental Law in Phoenix

    Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.

    D. Lee Decker is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in Arizona →

    Jurisdictional Context

    Why Local Counsel Matters in Phoenix

    Practicing law in Arizona. Legal matters in Arizona are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Phoenix are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Arizona state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Arizona brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Arizona courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

    Phoenix Courts and Legal Process

    Choosing a Phoenix-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

    Looking for additional Arizona attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Phoenix or all attorneys in Arizona.

    Frequently Asked

    Common Questions About D. Lee Decker

    Where is D. Lee Decker's law office located?
    D. Lee Decker's law practice is located in Phoenix, Arizona. The firm is Gallagher & Kennedy PA. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
    What practice areas does D. Lee Decker handle?
    D. Lee Decker focuses on litigation, environmental. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Arizona.
    Where did D. Lee Decker go to law school?
    D. Lee Decker earned their education at (J.D., 1990); (BA, 1987).
    How can I contact D. Lee Decker for a consultation?
    You can contact D. Lee Decker directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
    What awards or recognition has D. Lee Decker received?
    D. Lee Decker's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental; Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law.

    Professional Profile

    Why Clients in Phoenix Choose D. Lee Decker

    Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish D. Lee Decker's practice in the field of litigation and environmental.

    Broad Practice Area Coverage

    Covering litigation and environmental, D. Lee Decker can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

    Local Presence in Phoenix

    A Phoenix-based practice means D. Lee Decker attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

    Search Reference

    How People Find D. Lee Decker Online

    Prospective clients searching for legal help in Phoenix commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like D. Lee Decker.

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    If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with D. Lee Decker directly.

    D. Lee Decker's Practice Areas & Specializations

    Education & Law School Background

    J.D.
    Brigham Young University
    - 1990
    BA
    Brigham Young University
    - 1987

    Awards & Professional Honors

    Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Natural Resources Law
    - 2026

    Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

    Arizona, State Bar of Arizona

    Client Reviews & Ratings — D. Lee Decker

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