top of page
New Mexico Water Rights Fundamentals
Live Webcast
Friday, August 22, 2025
 

MCLE Approved General Credits (Live)

​

Full Course

New Mexico & Texas* MCLE -  4G

Colorado & Oklahoma MCLE  - 5G

​

Part I or II Only

New Mexico & Texas MCLE - 2G

Colorado & Oklahoma MCLE - 2.5G​

​

​​*This course has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of Texas Committee on MCLE in the amount of 4 credit hours, of which 0 credit hours will apply to legal ethics/professional responsibility credit.

​Enrollment Options:

​

Full Course

9:30 AM - 2:30 PM MDT

10:30 AM - 3:30 PM CDT

​

Part I Only

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM MDT

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT

​

Part II Only

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM MDT

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM CDT

​

This basic to intermediate curriculum will provide you with a solid foundation to handle most routine water rights transactions with confidence and go on to tackle more complex water rights matters. Even seasoned water practitioners will pick up new tips for selecting and integrating multiple data sources to catch errors and avoid embarrassing surprises when evaluating water rights. A water law background is helpful but not necessary. Consultants, paralegals, and other water or environmental professionals are welcome to register.

Gain practical legal knowledge and a roadmap for assisting clients with water rights matters  

Stack of Files

Topics Covered

Part I

  • Prior appropriation doctrine

  • Water rights basics

    • Elements of a water right

    • Acquiring a water right

    • Vesting a water right

    • Forfeiture & abandonment

    • Points of diversion vs. water rights

  • Water rights administration

    • New appropriations

    • Changing an existing water right

    • Water leasing

    • Domestic, livestock, & temporary use permits

    • Irrigation water rights

  • ​Status of water rights

    • Permitted

    • Declared

    • Licensed

    • Adjudicated

    • ​Combined and split rights​

Part II​

  • Data sources and data reliability

    • Water rights summaries​ online

    • Physical files

    • Metering records

    • GIS data 

    • Well ID or PLSS

    • County Records

  • Researching & evaluating water rights

    • Status of the right

    • Evidence of vesting

    • Elements of the right

    • Source of water and restrictions

    • Administrative guidelines

    • Detangling combined, commingled or split rights

    • Compliance

    • Ownership & chain of title​

    • History of use

About the Instructor

Lisa Henne is General Counsel of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and was Associate Counsel at the NM State Land Office from 2016-2024. She has a multidisciplinary background with over thirty years of experience in water science, policy, and law. In addition to teaching continuing legal education, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in hydrology, ecology, and watershed planning. Lisa holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from the University of Arizona. 

Instructor Feedback

Really clear explanations of the basics . . . Helpful materials for really complex statutes & regulations . . . Very good and knowledgeable of material . . . Responsive to questions and available for assistance . . . Well organized - good interaction with attendees . . . Useful info - clear presentation and highlights . . . Awesome!

Want to suggest a topic, teach a course, or have questions?

We'd love to hear from you!  Email us at support@WaterCourseCLE.com

Privacy Policy

©2024 by WaterCourse Continuing Legal Education.

bottom of page