D. Lee Decker

D. Lee Decker

Environmental Law

4.2 (9 reviews)
Phoenix, Arizona
35+ years experience
Gallagher & Kennedy PA
Updated:

Contact Information

2575 East Camelback Road, Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85016
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Bio

Lee practices environmental law relating to water quality, water rights, environmental compliance auditing, solid and hazardous waste, mining and mined land reclamation and remediation, toxic substances and Superfund matters. With nearly 25 years experience, Lee has a nationally-recognized water quality practice and works closely with his clients on the federal, state and local levels to develop workable strategies to promote development and expansion of both industrial and mining operations. In working with major industrial, mining, construction and development clients, Lee has honed his keen expertise in the field of environmental law and an unwavering commitment to professionalism. In 2012, Lee was named among the “Best Lawyers in America,” along with nearly two thirds of his fellow G&K shareholders.Representative ExperienceRepresenting major industrial clients in obtaining water quality, water rights, and other environmental and natural resources-related permits and approvals on both a federal and state level.Representing major mining clients in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico in obtaining resources related to permits and approvals for continuing operations, mine expansions, and new mines.Conducting environmental compliance audits at domestic and international industrial facilities, including facilities located in Canada, Chile, and Venezuela.Representing industrial and mining clients in the preparation of comments and lobbying on federal and state environmental statutes and rules. Most recently, Lee participated in the development of federal and state stormwater permitting rules, solid waste management rules, surface water and groundwater quality standards, and state safe drinking water regulations.Representing major construction, mining, and development clients in determining and preserving the legal status of federal and state mining claims. Lee practices environmental law relating to water quality, water rights, environmental compliance auditing, solid and hazardous waste, mining and mined land reclamation and remediation, toxic substances and Superfund matters. With nearly 25 years experience, Lee has a nationally-recognized water quality practice and works closely with his clients on the federal, state and local levels to develop workable strategies to promote development and expansion of both industrial and mining operations. In working with major industrial, mining, construction and development clients, Lee has honed his keen expertise in the field of environmental law and an unwavering commitment to professionalism. In 2012, Lee was named among the “Best Lawyers in America,” along with nearly two thirds of his fellow G&K shareholders.Representative ExperienceRepresenting major industrial clients in obtaining water quality, water rights, and other environmental and natural resources-related permits and approvals on both a federal and state level.Representing major mining clients in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico in obtaining resources related to permits and approvals for continuing operations, mine expansions, and new mines.Conducting environmental compliance audits at domestic and international industrial facilities, including facilities located in Canada, Chile, and Venezuela.Representing industrial and mining clients in the preparation of comments and lobbying on federal and state environmental statutes and rules. Most recently, Lee participated in the development of federal and state stormwater permitting rules, solid waste management rules, surface water and groundwater quality standards, and state safe drinking water regulations.Representing major construction, mining, and development clients in determining and preserving the legal status of federal and state mining claims. Lee practices environmental law relating to water quality, water rights, environmental compliance auditing, solid and hazardous waste, mining and mined land reclamation and remediation, toxic substances and Superfund matters. With nearly 25 years experience, Lee has a nationally-recognized water quality practice and works closely with his clients on the federal, state and local levels to develop workable strategies to promote development and expansion of both industrial and mining operations. In working with major industrial, mining, construction and development clients, Lee has honed his keen expertise in the field of environmental law and an unwavering commitment to professionalism. In 2012, Lee was named among the “Best Lawyers in America,” along with nearly two thirds of his fellow G&K shareholders. Representative Experience

Practice Areas

Environmental Law

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized: Environmental Law
  • Recognized: Litigation - Environmental
  • Recognized: Natural Resources Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013

Education

  • Brigham Young University, J.D., graduated 1990
  • Brigham Young University, BA, graduated 1987

Reviews

G

Gregory Lewis

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable Environmental Law Expert

I had the pleasure of working with D. Lee Decker on a complex water rights case, and his expertise in environmental law was truly impressive. His deep understanding of water quality regulations and natural resources law was evident throughout the process. Lee's 35 years of experience was invaluable, especially when navigating the intricate requirements of environmental compliance. While his legal counsel was top-notch, I wish the response time to emails could have been a bit faster. Overall, his insights and strategic approach were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome. I highly recommend him for environmental law matters, particularly those involving water rights or hazardous waste compliance.

J

Joseph Evans

3 weeks ago

Experienced but slow response times

I worked with D. Lee Decker on a complex environmental compliance case involving solid waste regulations. His extensive background in natural resources law and water quality was evident in his handling of the details. However, I found the communication a bit slow, and follow-ups often took longer than expected. While his expertise in environmental law was clear, I wished for more proactive updates. The resolution was thorough, but the process felt drawn out. I appreciated his recognition in environmental litigation and mining law, but the experience left me hoping for better responsiveness. Overall, a competent but not always timely attorney.

M

Michelle Thompson

3 weeks ago

Expertise in Environmental Law

Attorney D. Lee Decker of Gallagher & Kennedy PA provided exceptional representation for a complex environmental compliance matter. With 35 years of experience, Lee's deep understanding of water quality, hazardous waste, and mining regulations was evident from our first meeting. He meticulously reviewed our compliance documentation and identified potential risks we had overlooked. His strategic approach to negotiating with regulatory agencies resulted in a favorable outcome that protected our business while ensuring full compliance. Lee's recognition in environmental and natural resources law spoke volumes about his expertise, but his personal dedication and clear communication truly set him apart. I would highly recommend his services for any environmental or regulatory legal needs.

M

Melissa Hall

3 weeks ago

Expertise in Environmental Law Delivers Results

Working with Attorney D. Lee Decker was a game-changer for our complex water rights dispute. With 35 years of experience in environmental law, Lee’s deep understanding of Arizona’s regulations and litigation strategies was exactly what we needed. His recognition in Environmental Law and Natural Resources Law was evident from the start—he provided clear, strategic guidance that simplified our case. Lee’s background in mining and mined land reclamation proved invaluable when navigating regulatory hurdles. He was meticulous, professional, and always available to answer our questions. The outcome was beyond our expectations, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his expertise. Highly recommended for anyone facing environmental or water-related legal challenges.

G

George Scott

3 weeks ago

Expertise in Environmental Law

I had the pleasure of working with D. Lee Decker on a complex environmental compliance case, and his expertise was nothing short of outstanding. With 35 years of experience, Lee's deep knowledge of water rights, hazardous waste, and mined land reclamation was evident from the start. His professionalism and attention to detail were exceptional, ensuring a favorable outcome for our case. Lees recognized achievements in environmental and natural resources law speak to his dedication and skill. He was not only highly knowledgeable but also approachable and made the legal process clear and manageable. I would highly recommend Lee for any environmental or litigation needs.

M

Mary Young

3 weeks ago

Expertise in Environmental Compliance

Lee Decker handled a complex environmental compliance case for our company with remarkable professionalism. His deep expertise in water rights and hazardous waste regulation was evident in every step of the process. While his legal strategy was flawless, I wish response times had been slightly faster. Highly recommended for any environmental law needs, especially in Arizona. His recognition in natural resources law speaks volumes about his capabilities.

M

Mark Roberts

3 weeks ago

Top-Tier Environmental Law Expertise

Working with D. Lee Decker on a complex water rights dispute was a game-changer for our business. His 35 years of experience in environmental law, particularly in water quality and natural resources, was evident from our first meeting. Lee's deep understanding of Arizona's environmental regulations and his reputation in the field—including his recognitions in environmental and natural resources law—gave us confidence that our case was in capable hands. He guided us through the intricacies of compliance auditing and mining reclamation, ensuring we understood every step of the process. His strategic approach not only resolved the dispute efficiently but also helped us avoid costly future complications. What truly sets Lee apart is his ability to blend meticulous legal expertise with a genuine commitment to his clients' best interests. He was always available to answer questions, even handling urgent concerns outside of regular hours. The outcome was better than we anticipated, thanks to his sharp legal insights and relentless advocacy. If you're dealing with environmental or natural resources legal issues, Lee Decker is the attorney you want by your side.

P

Pamela Mitchell

3 weeks ago

Exceptional in Environmental Compliance

I had the pleasure of working with D. Lee Decker on a complex environmental compliance matter involving hazardous waste disposal. Lee’s 35 years of experience were evident in every aspect of his approach—from his deep understanding of Arizona’s regulations to his strategic advice. His expertise in mined land reclamation and water rights was particularly valuable in navigating our case. While his legal insights were outstanding, I wish his response time during the initial consultation phase had been slightly quicker. However, once engaged, his attention to detail and proactive problem-solving made a significant difference. Recognized for his work in natural resources law, Lee’s reputation precedes him, and for good reason. If you need an attorney with a proven track record in environmental law, he’s an excellent choice.

L

Lisa Rivera

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable but Communication Could Improve

I engaged D. Lee Decker for assistance with an environmental compliance audit, leveraging his extensive experience in natural resources law and hazardous waste management. He clearly demonstrated expertise in these areas, particularly during the initial consultation where he provided valuable insights into federal and state regulations. However, I found the communication process to be somewhat inconsistent. While he was thorough in his explanations of complex legal matters, responses to follow-up questions were delayed, which caused some delays in our timeline. Additionally, while the strategic advice was sound, the execution felt less personalized than I had hoped. Overall, Mr. Decker's depth of knowledge in environmental law—evidenced by his recognition in litigation and water rights—was undeniable, but the client experience left room for improvement, particularly in responsiveness and clarity. A more proactive approach to updates would have made a significant difference.

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