Water and Water Agencies
“Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over.” This phrase, commonly attributed to Mark Twain, is unfortunately as true now as it was in his day. Sawyers & Holland, LLP has developed a national reputation for its water practice, and is widely recognized as one of the leading water law firms in California. We see our mission as helping those who supply water and those who need water avoid the fight if possible and to tenaciously engage in the fight if necessary. We help clients throughout the state navigate the obscure and often contradictory restrictions that complicate the use, movement, storage and sale of water. We work extensively with water agencies at the federal, state and local levels, including the United States Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources.
In addition to representing private water users, we represent water agencies such as irrigation and water districts, giving us a broader and more practical view of the water community.
Real Estate
Water and land are inseparably tied, and we also specialize in real estate transactions. We have extensive experience in acquisitions and sales, leasing, tax-deferred exchanges and financing. We regularly assist clients in developing innovative transaction, ownership and operational structures to meet their unique needs.
Finance
Many transactions have a financing component, and we represent both borrowers and lenders. We often find ourselves working with loans made to finance something unusual or innovative, or secured by uncommon assets, requiring additional creativity from both sides. Because loans occasionally cannot be repaid as planned, we also handle loan workouts for both borrowers and lenders.
Agriculture
We have a rich history of working with growers and agribusiness. We understand that even large-scale operations in California are still “family farms” in many ways. We understand that “agriculture” is not one industry but many, from permanent crops to fresh produce to livestock to dairy. We also know that farming, far from being simple, is extraordinarily complex and risky. We are honored to serve those who embrace its challenges.
We understand that farm programs are fact of life for many growers, and that what should be simple can at times become maddeningly complex. We are familiar with the intricacies of Farm Service Agency programs, and have excellent working relationships with the agency itself at the local and state levels.