Chris Colyer assists clients with transactional and litigation issues in the areas of environmental and natural resources, real estate, construction and administrative law. His environmental practice includes advising clients on complex environmental issues associated with real estate and corporate transactions and representing clients in federal, state and local permitting and litigation matters, including air quality, hazardous waste, water quality, underground storage tank and Superfund compliance. Chris' real estate and administrative law practice includes representing large and medium-sized companies with municipal zoning approvals, liquor licensing and other state and local governmental permitting issues. He also focuses on renewable energy regulation and development, including contracting, leasing and permitting of solar and wind energy facilities on public, private and tribal lands. Chris’ construction practice includes negotiating and drafting construction contracts and representing owners and contractors in construction defect and payment disputes.
Defended client in international arbitration matter against claimant seeking over $260 million in damages for alleged breach of contract
Assisted multiple clients with environmental due diligence and management of environmental liabilities associated with the acquisition of over 200 properties in at least 38 states
Represented clients in complex civil suits alleging claims under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Arizona Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF)
Represented home builder in rezoning and entitlement of 170-unit single-family subdivision in Phoenix, Arizona
Assisted client in acquisition, development and entitlement of 300,000 square foot beverage distribution facility
Defended clients against United States Environmental Protection Agency enforcement actions alleging violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Toxic Substances Control Act and Clean Air Act
Drafted complex environmental agreements for investigation, remediation and lease of an aircraft hangar at large international airport
Counseled and advised client regarding environmental compliance requirements related to the purchase of 20 gas stations
Performed environmental due diligence on behalf of potential purchasers and investors regarding environmental issues at various Arizona mines, including compliance with federal, state and local environmental permits and licenses
Advised energy company regarding the development, zoning and environmental permitting of utility-scale solar facility in Maricopa County, Arizona
Advised client regarding compliance with renewable energy and business leasing requirements under federal and tribal laws for proposed solar facility on tribal land
Prepared formal legal opinions for third party lenders on behalf of borrower regarding solar and wind energy facility’s compliance with state and local environmental law
Represented clients before City of Phoenix, Town of Gilbert, and Maricopa County Zoning Adjustment Hearing Officers and Boards of Adjustment regarding applications for variances and use permits required under municipal zoning ordinances
Advised client regarding Arizona Aquifer Protection Permit, municipal and non-municipal solid waste landfill programs, municipal floodplain and related environmental permit issues and requirements in connection with the proposed redevelopment of a former solid waste landfill
Defended large construction and engineering companies against private party claims alleging construction or engineering defects
Drafted and negotiated construction, engineering and maintenance agreements for the development and operation of renewable energy facilities
University of Kansas School of Law (J.D., 2009)
Articles Editor, Kansas Law Review
Business and Commercial Law Certificate Recipient
Robert E. Edmonds Award Recipient for Excellence in Corporate and Securities Law
University of Kansas School of Law Curriculum Committee Member
University of Kansas (B.S., Business Administration, Emphasis in Finance, 2004)
Honor Societies: Beta Gamma Sigma and Golden Key International
State Bar of Arizona
Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section
Executive Council Secretary, Budget Officer, Program Chair and Member at Large
American Bar Association
Arizona Association of Defense Counsel
Defense Research Institute
Maricopa County Bar Association
Environmental Law Section Board
Treasurer and Board Member
University of Kansas School of Law, Board of Governors
ASU Mentorship Initiative in Sustainability Law
Mentor
“Environmental and Natural Resources Law Update,” Moderator, Arizona State Bar Convention (December 1, 2020)
“PFOS/PFOA Primer,” Presenter, Arizona State Bar Convention (December 1, 2020)
“Preserving Subcontractor Claims for Delay, Disruption, and Cumulative Impacts," Co-Author, The American Subcontractors Association’s Contractor’s Compass (June 2017)
“Getting More Pay and Less ‘If’ from Pay-If-Paid Clauses,” Presenter, DHI ConNextions 2017 (May 10, 2017)
"Dust Control Regulations Impacting Maricopa County Construction Sites," Presenter, State Bar of Arizona, Construction Law Section CLE Lunch Program (November 5, 2014)
"Utilize 'Certificate of Merit' Statutes to Dismiss Frivolous Lawsuits in Early Stages of Litigation," Author, Defense Research Institute’s the Whisper Newsletter, Volume 10, Issue 9 (October 7, 2014)
"Searching for a Solution: The Lanham Act’s 'Use in Commerce' Requirement in Search Engine Keyword Advertising Cases," Comment, Kansas Law Review, 56 University of Kansas Law Review 679 (2008)
Southwest Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars Edition, Environmental (2016-2020)
City of Phoenix Central City Village Planning Committee
Member
City of Phoenix South Central Transit Oriented Development Steering Committee
Member
Herberger Theater Center
Treasurer
Board Member
Young Leadership Board, Founder
Finance Committee
Contributed Revenue Committee
Objects d'Art Auction Committee
Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix
Active Member
Membership Committee
Arizona Myeloma Network
Board Member
University of Kansas Alumni Association, Phoenix Chapter, Chapter Leader
2014 Dick Wintermote Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient
Duckhut Invitational Charity Golf Tournament Benefitting the American Cancer Society
Founder and Organizer
City of Mesa Attorney’s Office, Snell & Wilmer Public Service Fellowship Attorney (2009-2010)
Douglas County, Kansas District Court, Law Clerk to Hon. Michael Malone (2007-2008)
