Michael Hegarty is a natural resources attorney focusing on project acquisitions, project development, land use regulation and environmental compliance. With attention to detail and an emphasis on practicality, Mike helps clients structure transactions, identify and resolve legal issues, negotiate deal points and draft clear and effective contract documents (e.g., purchase and sale agreements, surface use agreements, commercial/real property leases, joint venture agreements, option agreements, purchase orders, NDAs, professional services contracts, employment contracts, and engineering, procurement and construction management contracts).

Mike also assists clients with contract administration and project management. For a copper mine construction project in Mongolia, for example, Mike implemented a comprehensive contract template program for onshore and offshore construction procurement (including user manuals, onsite training and remote support services), creating a user-friendly set of contract forms tailored to the particular categories, locations and price-points of goods and/or services being purchased.

Mike provides due diligence support as well, reviewing and evaluating corporate, environmental and land title issues to help clients identify and manage potential liabilities associated with their transactions. He likewise represents clients on a broad range of federal and state environmental permitting and compliance matters.

In recent years, Mike has been instrumental in advancing a number of complex land use applications for development rights, land use approvals, zoning code variances and building permits. Mike frequently works on easement, restrictive covenant, surface use and split estate issues arising in connection with real estate purchase and sale agreements, mineral leases, surface use agreements and assorted conveyance instruments.

Bar Admissions
Colorado

Education
L.L.M., University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, Natural Resources and Environmental Law, 2001, with honors
J.D., University of Texas at Austin School of Law, 2000, Member and Managing Editor, Texas Environmental Law Review (1998-2000)
B.A., Colorado College, 1997, cum laude