On September 26, 2022, Texas A&M Law alumnus, Colton Lauer, spoke with students in the law school’s Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Group (ENRG) Lauer is a 2018 graduate of the law school and currently a Water Master in the Montana Water Court in Bozeman. The Water Court is a specialty court under the direct supervision of the Montana Supreme Court engaged in adjudicating all existing water rights claims in Montana.
Lauer educated students on the history of the Water Court and the day-to-day life of a Water Master. He described the adjudication process and timelines for Montana residents to file claims for pre-existing water rights, and noted that much of his work involves reviewing historical evidence, such as old letters and journals.
Lauer also explained that the work of a Water Masters is similar to that of magistrate judges and involves managing and consolidating cases, overseeing settlements, and holding evidentiary trials. All of his decisions and rulings, however, have to be approved by an Associate Water Judge.
Students attending the program rounded out the presentation with questions about environmental sustainability, Native American water rights, and general advice for students interested in water and environmental law.