Nicolas D. Chapman

Associate

Nicolas Chapman's ("Nico") practice focuses primarily on water resources, encompassing surface and groundwater rights litigation, endangered species issues, flood protection, and public agency issues.

In addition to assisting private and public clients navigate the complex realm of water rights, Nico has experience assisting public clients secure water resources infrastructure financing. Clients rely on Nico’s discerning eye and straightforward approach to achieving client success.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Sacramento County Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
  • California Lawyers Association, Environmental Law Section
  • California Water Law & Policy Reporter, Contributing Author
  • University of the Pacific Law Review, Chief Articles & Symposium Editor, 2020-2021
  • University of the Pacific Law Review, Staff Writer, 2019-2020

Honors & Rankings

  • Traynor Honor Society, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
  • Dean’s List, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2018-2021
  • Judicial Extern, Honorable Morrison C. England, Eastern District of California, 2021
  • Assisted in counseling clients to prove pre-1914 appropriative water right by tracking historical records.
  • Assisted in counseling clients to form improvement districts for financing water infrastructure projects.
  • Assisted in counseling clients in Federal Endangered Species Act litigation regarding the central valley project.
  • Assisted in counseling clients on duties and liabilities of flood control districts.
  • Assisted in counseling clients in a groundwater adjudication in Southern California.
  • Drafted motions and briefs on client behalf in inverse condemnation action.

Announcements

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Water is Nico’s passion for two distinct yet compelling reasons. Nicolas is an avid water polo player, having played since childhood through college at the Division I level. He continues to play whenever he can. More importantly, however, Nico’s passion for water derives from his wife’s family farm. If he’s not serving clients, nor in the pool, Nico can be found helping his wife, Emily, in the walnut orchards.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Sacramento County Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
  • California Lawyers Association, Environmental Law Section
  • California Water Law & Policy Reporter, Contributing Author
  • University of the Pacific Law Review, Chief Articles & Symposium Editor, 2020-2021
  • University of the Pacific Law Review, Staff Writer, 2019-2020

Honors & Rankings

  • Traynor Honor Society, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
  • Dean’s List, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2018-2021
  • Judicial Extern, Honorable Morrison C. England, Eastern District of California, 2021