Peggy E. Montaño

Ms. Montaño's practice specializes in state and federal court litigation, and federal administrative and legislative strategy. Ms. Montaño has practiced for over 40 years including defense against massive federal water right claims in Colorado by the U.S. Forest Service, numerous water rights adjudications, interstate water issues including compact issues, and water-related administrative and federal and state legislative matters. She spent three years representing the State of Colorado as an Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Department of Natural Resources and principally represented the Colorado State Engineer and the Colorado Water Conservation Board. She is General Counsel to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. Ms. Montaño is also a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of New Mexico. Ms. Montaño was also a Presidential Appointee and the Chairman of the Sabine River Commission. She has practiced water and environmental law in private practice since leaving the Attorney General’s Office and has represented major clients in complex litigation, and numerous county and district governments in Colorado in water right protection and defense. Ms. Montaño has been recognized over the years by The Best Lawyers in America , Colorado Super Lawyers and 5280 Magazine, and has an AV Preeminent rating through Martin Hubbell. Member: Denver (Trustee, 1997-1999), Colorado and American Bar Associations; Colorado Hispanic Bar Association (Past President, 1995); Great Outdoors Colorado (Board Chair); and, Board of Directors of the National Audubon Society. Ms. Montaño's has been awarded a Best Lawyer in Water since 2017 and Environment since 2018.