Overview
Sarah’s practice focuses on water rights, project permitting and environmental review, and administrative and judicial appeals in the areas of natural resources, land use and environmental law.
She counsels public utility districts, other municipal water suppliers, and developers of commercial, residential and resort projects throughout Washington. Sarah has successfully assisted clients with the acquisition and transfer of water rights, trust water right donations, water system planning, water right and land use permitting and compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). She also advises on water resource policy and proposed legislation relating to water rights, water supply planning and land use.
Prior to joining Foster Garvey, Sarah was a partner at Doll Mack Wells PLLC, an environmental and natural resources law firm in Seattle.
Areas of Focus
Admissions
- Washington, 1982
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Washington Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit
Education
- J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law, 1982
- B.A., University of California Santa Cruz, 1974
Honors & Recognitions
- The Best Lawyers in America©
- Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Natural Resources Law, Water Law, 2026
- Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Natural Resources Law in Seattle, 2018, 2024
- Washington Super Lawyers® list, 2000-present
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating
Professional Activities
- Association of Washington Business
- Joint Legislative Task Force, Water Resource Mitigation, Member
- Water Resources Committee, Member
- Washington State Bar Association
- ELUL Section Executive Committee, Member, 1997-2000
- Environmental and Land Use Law Section, Member
- Washington State Department of Ecology, Water Resources Advisory Committee, Member
- Washington Water Policy Alliance, Member
Community Activities
- Care to Help
- Community Homes, Inc.
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
News & Insights
News
71 Foster Garvey Attorneys Recognized Among the 2026 Best Lawyers in America; Paul Trinchero Named ‘Lawyer of the Year’
08.21.25
19 Foster Garvey Attorneys Named to the 2025 Washington Super Lawyers Lists; Emily Harris Gant Earns Special Recognition
08.01.25
Foster Garvey Adds Distinguished Environmental Regulatory, Compliance and Litigation Team from Doll Mack Wells PLLC in Seattle
08.19.24
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