Shonee Langford helps his clients navigate Oregon and Washington water laws. Since joining Schwabe in 2004, Shonee has focused on water rights and in-water projects, finding straightforward solutions to complex water supply problems. His clients range from individuals, farms and ranches, to special districts and municipalities.

Shonee is a practical, results-oriented lawyer who recognizes that the best approach is often the simplest. His reservoir of knowledge and experience allows him to quickly identify potential solutions and provide customized, cost-effective advice. He values and draws upon the experience of colleagues, consultants and agency personnel to help accomplish his clients’ goals. 

Bar Admissions

• Oregon State Courts
• Washington State Courts
• Utah State Courts

Education

• Willamette University College of Law, Juris Doctor degree, cum laude (2004)
• Portland State University, Bachelor of Arts degree, Philosophy, with highest honors (2000)

• Advised a global investment company on water rights aspects of transactions involving over 20,000 irrigated acres, including preparation and negotiation of water delivery agreements.
• Represented a ranch client in negotiating a flow restoration agreement with The Freshwater Trust. Our client was paid to reduce irrigation for the benefit of summer steelhead.
• Helped a social media company acquire water rights and related mitigation credits for a data center.
• Formed a water supply district for a group of irrigators and helped the district secure water rights and a long-term water service contract with the Bureau of Reclamation.
• Secured extension of water district permits through 2050, including successful negotiation of a settlement agreement.
• Completed numerous water-related due diligence investigations for a national real estate investment company. 

• Oregon Water Law Questions and Answers
• Oregon Supreme Court Holds Hydroelectric Water Rights Case
• Oregon Court of Appeals Holds Hydroelectric Water Rights Do Not Automatically Convert to Permanent In-Stream Rights When Temporarily Leased for In-Stream Purposes
• Court Finds Oregon Water Resources Department Exceeded Authority to Regulate Wells
• Water Right Tools Available for Farms and Ranches Facing Drought