Joseph Dischinger: Colorado 500 - Natural Resources Law

Director, Fairfield and Woods P.C.

ColoradoBiz Staff //April 21, 2026//

Director, Fairfield and Woods P.C.

ColoradoBiz Staff //April 21, 2026//

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Joe Dischinger is a director at Fairfield and Woods in Denver who has helped landowners, governments, and businesses navigate water issues — from acquisition of rights to storage plans — for more than 35 years. Dischinger has experience with most every federal and state environmental law, but he is particularly drawn to the strands of policy, history, economics, and science woven into water law. “I particularly enjoy working with engineers and hydrologists, who can advise the court about the impact of one use of water on other water rights,” he said. “Balancing the productive use of water with environmental needs is immensely challenging, and it will continue to be increasingly daunting as the population grows and climate change alters the amount and timing of water runoff.” On power, he reflects: “Lawyers don’t have as much power as most people think, because decisions are made by clients and judges. However, as a water lawyer, power comes from representing clients with substantial senior water rights, who are affected by and can affect the availability of water to others.”

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