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Christopher P. Colyer

Christopher P. Colyer

Partner| Phoenix

Chris Colyer assists clients with transactional and litigation issues in the areas of environmental, 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.

Representative Experience

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  • Assisted multiple clients with environmental due diligence and management of environmental liabilities associated with the acquisition of over 170 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)
  • 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
  • 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 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 the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County 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

Education

  • 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

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • State Bar of Arizona
    • Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section
      • Executive Council, 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

Representative Presentations and Publications

Professional Recognition and Awards

  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars Edition, Environmental (2016-2018)

Community Involvement

  • 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

Other Professional Experience

  • 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)
  • Payless ShoeSource, Inc., Financial Analyst (2004-2006)
  • The Wagon Wheel, Manager (2002-2004)

Bar Admissions

  • Arizona

Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Arizona
  • United States District Court, District of Arizona