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Greenberg Traurig, LLPOf Counsel
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Christopher Thorne

5.0
1 review

1200 17th Street, Suite 2400, Denver, CO 80202

Energy & Natural Resources, Environmental, Real Estate and 8 more

About Christopher Thorne

Chris Thorne represents energy companies, real estate developers, industrial water users, agricultural water users, and municipal water providers in virtually all types of water related transactions, and in litigation matters and related administrative proceedings involving the adjudication of water rights, changes of water rights, complex plans for augmentation, and water rights disputes.

With more than two decades of experience in Western water law, Chris represents clients in virtually all types of commercial transactions involving water rights, including water supply agreements for energy generation and industrial projects (including oil and gas facilities); development of water supplies for residential and resort developments; and water rights acquisitions/leases. He also represents clients in state and federal courts, including in Colorado’s Water Courts, the Colorado Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court

Chris has wide-ranging experience litigating recreational water rights claims and advocating for his clients in legislative processes. Additionally, he advises on environmental compliance matters and environmental litigation under the Clean Water Act and other federal environmental programs.

Concentrations

•Water rights
•Water transactions
•Energy project development
•Water rights litigation
•Clean Water Act
•Land/Resort development

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Team Member, a Law360 'Real Estate Practice Group of the Year,' 2023
•Team Member, a Law360 “Environmental Practice Group of the Year,” 2022
•Listed, 5280 The Denver Magazine, “Top Lawyers, Water Law,” 2011-2023 and 2025
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Water Law, 2011-2026

 

Christopher Thorne (Denver, Colorado) View website

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Christopher Thorne got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

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Services

Areas of Law

  • Real Estate
  • Natural Resources 1
    • Water Law
  • Other 9
    • Energy & Natural Resources
    • Environmental
    • Energy Litigation
    • Energy Transactions
    • Upstream Oil & Gas
    • Renewable Energy
    • Energy Project Finance & Development
    • Mining
    • Complex Torts

Practice Details

  • Firm Information
    Position
    Of Counsel
    Firm Name
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    Cases
    Experience: Representative Matters: Served as water rights counsel to Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust ('BREIT') in BREIT-led joint ventures for acquisition of Las Vegas assets of MGM Gr

    M
    alay Bay ($4.6 billion),
    of Bellagio ($4.25 billion).
    Served as water rights counsel to private equity fund relating to acquisition of major tree/l
    scape nursery operations in California, Arizona, Nevada,
    Texas ($750 million).
    Served as water rights counsel in connection with $125 million financing of City of Greeley, Colorado's acquisition of rights to 1.2 million acre-feet of ground water associated with the Terry Bison Ranch.
    Serves as water rights counsel to Denver International Airport in connection with development of groundwater resources.
    Served as Special Assistant Attorney General representing the Colorado State L
    Board concerning Lowry Bombing Range water rights assets.
    Serves as Special Water Counsel to the City of Pueblo, Colorado
    Town of Fraser, Colorado
    Gateway Metropolitan District
    Eastern Adams County Metropolitan District

    the St. Charles Mesa Water District.
    Represented Denver-based private equity fund in acquisitions,
    sales to the Cities of Greeley
    Aurora, Colorado, of significant agricultural real estate
    water rights assets on Colorado's Front Range.
    Represented the City of Pueblo, Colorado
    the City of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in Water Court applications/proceedings confirming recreational water rights on the Arkansas River
    the Colorado River.
  • Additional Links
    https://www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/t/thorne-christopher-l

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1990, Colorado
    Memberships

    Professional & Community Involvement

    •Member, Colorado Water Congress, State Affairs Committee, 2005-Present
    •Member, American Bar Association, 1991-Present
    •Member, Natural Resources, Energy & Environmental Law Section, 1991-Present
    •Member, Colorado Bar Association, 1990-Present
    •Member, Water Law Section, 1990-Present
    •Chairman, Town of Berthoud Planning & Zoning Commission, 2000-2014

  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Colorado Law School
    Class of 1990
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Colorado College
    Class of 1986
    B.A.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1964
    1964

Activity

Legal Community Contributions

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Christopher Thorne was admitted in 1990 to the State of Colorado.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Christopher Thorne has a 5.0 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP has 2750 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Christopher Thorne attended University of Colorado Law School.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP was established in 1967.

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