Before returning to private practice, Karlene served as in-house counsel for global mining companies, giving her a practical, business-oriented perspective on how resource companies evaluate legal risk, permitting strategies, and water supply challenges. In those roles, she worked closely with leadership to align business objectives with legal and regulatory requirements while effectively managing litigation and operational risks.
In her water law practice, Karlene represents municipal, industrial, and agricultural water users both within and outside Arizona’s Active Management Areas. She helps clients protect and secure water rights, develop alternative water supplies, negotiate water transfer and storage agreements, obtain state and federal permits and approvals, and settle water rights matters involving Native American tribes.
Karlene also advises companies in the mining and natural resources sectors on obtaining critical state and federal environmental permits, conducting due diligence for strategic transactions, and navigating all aspects of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Her industry experience enables her to understand how legal and regulatory decisions affect broader business priorities, including financial performance, communications strategies, workforce considerations, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and human rights commitments.
In addition, Karlene provides due diligence support for significant transactions and counsels clients on real estate and land use matters. Her practical approach and keen eye for legal risk help clients identify opportunities, address challenges efficiently, and achieve their business objectives.