Stuart Somach, ’79, has had a remarkable career in water law that spans over 40 years. He is one of the most respected water law attorneys in the nation. He is a shareholder at Somach Simmons & Dunn.

Throughout his career, Somach has worked on various water law issues, from litigating in both U.S. and California Supreme Courts, testifying before the U.S. Congress on water issues, and briefing the president at the White House.

In the past decade, Somach represented the Central Arizona Project and offered legal guidance on Colorado River matters. He was also appointed by the State of Arizona to represent the State of Arizona in negotiations that established the current operation of the Colorado River, and he was retained by the Arizona Power Authority to assist with the allocation of Hoover power within the state.

In addition to his work in Arizona, Somach represents the State of Texas as Attorney of Record in an Original Action Texas brought against the State of New Mexico in the United States Supreme Court dealing with the 1938 Rio Grande Compact.

Somach’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers every year from 2004-2024 and was recently named the Best Lawyers^® 2025 Energy Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Sacramento. He also received the Will S. Green Award from the Northern California Water Association in 2022 for devoting his life to the promotion and advancement of irrigation and regional sustainability in the Sacramento Valley.

Somach earned a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University in 1970 and a JD degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1979. Somach developed his expertise in water law in law school and with tenures at the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior. After helping to shape water policy in Washington, D.C., he returned to California and established the law firm of Somach Simmons & Dunn in 1991.

Over the years, he has influenced nearly every facet of water law and reclamation law in California and the Western United States. His work has included transactional activities, litigation, and shaping new policies through his participation in the legislative process.

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni.  

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.