Gunnar Paulsen

Associate

PHONE: (303) 776-9900
FAX: (303) 776-9100
EMAIL: gpaulsen@lyonsgaddis.com

Overview

Gunnar Paulsen is a member of the Lyons Gaddis Water Practice Group. He represents municipalities, special districts, mutual ditch companies, farms and ranches, ski resorts, industrial clients, sand and gravel operators, and individuals. He has successfully represented clients in all seven of Colorado’s water courts as well as in various state and federal district courts and appellate courts. He also specializes in water rights transactions. Gunnar advises clients during the strategic planning phase of water supply development to taking cases all the way through water court to a final decree. Whether it is a simple diligence application or a complex change of water rights and plan for augmentation, Gunnar has done it.

Practices

Water Law
Water Quality
Land Use

Education & Experience

Gunnar graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in English and Politics from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon in 2012. He earned his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2018.

While in law school, Gunnar volunteered for and led the Acequia Assistance Project at Colorado Law, which is a pro bono program providing legal services to farmers and families in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. He was a researcher for the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment, contributing to papers on groundwater usage within the Colorado River Basin states. He worked for the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder and for a law firm that represents Federal Indian tribes and businesses. Gunnar also worked for the Colorado Attorney General’s Natural Resources section.

Before joining Lyons Gaddis, Gunnar developed his skills in water law, water quality, and land use law practicing at a law firm in Boulder.

Admissions

Admitted to practice before the bar, State of Colorado, 2018
Admitted to practice before the Federal District Court of Colorado, 2022

Public Service and Presentations

Colorado Law Acequia Assistance Project Supervising Attorney (2018 – present)
Many guest lectures at Colorado Law regarding Colorado water law

Memberships and Honors

Colorado Bar Association (2018 – present)
Boulder County Bar Association (2018 – present)
Colorado Bar Association – Water Law Section (2018 – present)
Colorado Law Award for Distinguished Environmental Public Service (2018)
Colorado Law Dean’s List (2017, 2018)