Water Law Partner Scott Shapiro to Teach Flood Law Course at Lewis & Clark Law School

July 11-24, 2023

Downey Brand is pleased to announce that water law partner Scott Shapiro will be teaching a Flood Control Law and Regulation course this summer at his alma mater, Lewis & Clark Law School.

While water law coursework is common in law school, flood-specific coursework is not. Up until now, practicing lawyers had to learn this niche area of law on the job. This new course, the first of its kind, will provide a unique learning opportunity for law students, as well as existing practitioners, interested in this specialized field.

The class will take place from July 11 – July 24 and will be a two-credit, seminar-style course offered via Zoom, with a mixture of lecture, Socratic-style learning, and student-led discussion. There will also be a number of guest lectures from experts in the field. Key topics include hydrology and hydraulics, flood damage reduction initiatives, the National Flood Insurance Act, flood protection and the homeless, and many more.

“I always thought water law was a hard topic to learn because it requires so much institutional knowledge, but at least there are several water law textbooks and treatises. In contrast, there are no textbooks, treatises, or comprehensive guides to Flood Control Law and Regulation, and I am thrilled to act as a guide for law students and practitioners alike to explore this subject.”

Scott is highly regarded for his expertise in flood protection improvement projects throughout California’s Central Valley and the West, as well as his successful track record on issues of water rights and water supplies. With a special focus on massive flood protection improvement projects, Scott advises clients through regulatory, contractual, financing, and legislative challenges. Scott is also known for his litigation experience focusing on cases arising from levee failures. In addition to his legal practice, Scott is the former managing partner of Downey Brand, a position he held from 2014 through 2022.

More information about the course is available here.