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Christopher McGowne
Principal
Phone:
785.259.9233
Email:
Address:
Admissions:
Hays, Kansas
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Kansas
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Colorado
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Wyoming
Background
Chris McGowne, the founder and principal of McGowne Law Offices, P.A., hails from Kansas and has dedicated the past two decades to the realms of law and government. Graduating from the University of Denver's law school, Chris holds a certificate in Constitutional Law and an LL.M in Environmental and Natural Resources law, specializing in Energy law and Land Use law. During his academic journey, he served as a senior editor of the Water Law Review and contributed as an editor to the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy. Additionally, Chris possesses a Masters Degree in Public Administration.
Kicking off his career in the Colorado State Senate, Chris subsequently immersed himself in the legal, administrative, and regulatory arenas at two prominent trade associations in Colorado's oil and gas and health care sectors. His early experiences include serving as a law clerk and litigation associate at one of Denver's oldest boutique law firms, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. Chris then spent three years at one of the world's largest trade organizations before deciding, along with his wife, to return to their roots in Kansas.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Chris finds fulfillment in spending quality time with family and friends, actively participating in his local community.
Career Highlights
Submitted amicus brief to US Supreme Court on behalf of 31 state republican parties. Submission Date: 1.19.24, found here.
Spearheaded as General Counsel for a diverse portfolio of consulting and corporate entities, ranging from oil and gas giants to franchise operators, Colorado's premier environmental consulting firm, and a spectrum of large and small corporations.
Championed the causes of multiple oil and gas operators before the Energy and Carbon Management Commission, securing coveted Oil and Gas Development permits, adeptly resolving enforcement matters, tackling payment disputes, and navigating intricate legal proceedings.
Orchestrated a groundbreaking legal defense for an oil and gas operator facing license revocation, securing a powerful stay of enforcement against a state agency and establishing a lasting legal precedent in Colorado. The result: a resounding dismissal of the cause of action.
Engineered substantial cost savings, surpassing $10 million, by strategically navigating regulatory landscapes and optimizing Financial Assurance structures for operators in Colorado.
Commanded the legal helm for an oil and gas trade association and multiple operators during pivotal rulemaking hearings on financial assurance and air quality regulations by ECMC and AQCC.
Engineered intricate commercial transactions, each surpassing $10 million, encompassing the strategic purchase and sale of commercial entities, real estate holdings, and valuable oil and gas interests.
Pioneered legal strategies in local land use battles on behalf of an oil and gas operator, deftly navigating the complexities before governmental bodies.
Achieved a resounding victory, securing a near-complete jury verdict for a Defendant in a high-stakes $6.5 million agriculture civil matter against Kansas' preeminent Plaintiffs law firm.
Advocated forcefully for a trade association in the realm of wind energy before state and local authorities, leaving an indelible mark through impactful media presence, outreach initiatives, and strategic regulatory counsel.
Architected the formation and governance of multiple nonprofit and for-profit corporations in Kansas and Colorado, meticulously overseeing IRS formation, state and corporate governance, and comprehensive documentation.
Earned recognition as key legal minds in a precedent-setting case before the Kansas Court of Appeals, addressing a $2.3 million Breach of Trust and Breach of Fiduciary duty action in the realm of trust and estate law.
Closed monumental real estate transactions, exceeding a cumulative value of $15 million, spanning agriculture, commercial, and residential properties, demonstrating prowess in navigating complex real estate landscapes.
Education
2004
2004
2003
2002
Juris Doctor, University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Master of Public Administration, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
L.L.M, Natural Resources and Environmental Law and Policy
B.A. Political Science, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
