Overview
David Filippi leads the firm’s nationally recognized Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources practice group. David practices in the areas of natural resources, environmental and land use law, and concentrates his practice on water rights and water quality, fish and wildlife law, hydropower relicensing, and project facility siting and permitting.
David has been closely involved in the development and implementation of numerous Endangered Species Act compliance strategies on behalf of both public and private clients. His experience includes section 7 consultations on behalf of local governments and development interests seeking permits or contract approvals from federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
David's water law practice encompasses regional water supply planning, water management and conservation planning, and compliance with water basin programs. He works regularly with clients to inventory and secure existing water rights, obtain new water rights, and transfer existing water rights to new uses. David also advises clients as to permitting and compliance under the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and federal reclamation laws including the Reclamation Reform Act.
Education
Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, J.D., 1996, cum laude; Editor-in-chief, Environmental Law; Cornelius Honor Society; Certificate, Environmental and Natural Resources Law
Kansas State University, M.A., 1993
Kansas State University, B.S., 1991
Admissions
Oregon
United States District Court for the District of Oregon
Insights
Insights & Presentations
- “How Oregon Works: Managing Water Rights and Limited Water Supplies in Times of Persistent Drought (Video),” Portland Business Journal, December 23, 2021
- Program Co-Chair, Annual Oregon Water Law Conference sponsored by The Seminar Group and Oregon Water Resources Department, 2000–2021
- Various conference presentations, including presentations at the ABA Water Law Conference, the National Water Resources Association Western Water Law Conference, and the Northwest Hydroelectric Association Annual Conference
Recognition
- Named by Best Lawyers® as Water Law “Lawyer of the Year,” Portland, 2012, 2017, 2019, and 2024; Natural Resources Law “Lawyer of the Year,” Portland, 2015, 2018, and 2024; and Environmental Law “Lawyer of the Year,” Portland, 2020
- Included in The Best Lawyers in America® (Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, Water Law), 2006–present
- Selected as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (Oregon) by Chambers USA (Environment), 2007–present
- Top Forty Under Forty Award, by The Portland Business Journal, 2003
- Burton Award for Legal Achievement, 2001
Affiliations
Professional
- National Water Resources Association, Board Member
- Oregon Water Resources Congress, Board Member
- Oregon Business & Industry, former Board Member
- Oregon Water Resources Congress, former Board Member
- Business Law, Washington State University, former Adjunct Instructor
- Northwest Energy Association, former Member
- Northwest Hydroelectric Association, Member
- Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law (FNREL), Member
- Environmental and Natural Resources Section, and Land Use and Real Estate Section, Oregon State Bar Association, Member
- Environment, Energy, and Resources Section, American Bar Association, Member