Maria OBrien

Water Law

4.0 (1 reviews)

Albuquerque, New Mexico

34+ years experience

Modrall Sperling

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Contact Information

505-848-1800

https://www.modrall.com/attorney/maria-obrien/

500 Fourth Street, NW, Suite 1000, P.O. Box 2168, Albuquerque, NM 87103

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Bio

Maria has practiced in the areas of Natural Resources, Environmental and Utility law for over twenty years. Her primary focus is on water resources, water quality, and related regulatory matters including National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) compliance. She represents clients from both the public and private sectors before the Office of the New Mexico State Engineer, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission federal agencies, and in state and federal court. Maria’s experience has been centered on resolution of complex disputes regarding water use and allocation. Her experience includes negotiation of multi-party water agreements, permitting of water and energy projects, the purchase and lease of water rights, water utility matters, litigation involving protection and acquisition of water resources, water planning and water quality issues. Chambers USA has recognized Maria in the area of Water Law, and reported in 2018, “Maria O’Brien ‘has an excellent legal mind and is great at dealing with clients. She is very collaborative and a great problem solver,’ say sources. O’Brien is widely acknowledged as a top choice in water law matters, including water quality and water use and allocation disputes.” Maria has been selected as “Lawyer of the Year in Water Law – Albuquerque” by Best Lawyers in America® three times, and has also been recognized by Benchmark Litigation and Southwest Super Lawyers®. Maria regularly addresses a complexity of issues relating to water supply and related regulatory matters regarding the permitting and siting of energy and water projects. Maria currently represents the State of Oklahoma with regard to conflicts over water resources as between the State and several Oklahoma Indian Tribes. She represented the City of Albuquerque (now the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility (“ABCWUA”) ) in protection of its municipal water supply with regard to ESA claims involving the endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow. She continues to represent the ABCWUA on ESA and water quality matters. She represents the Pueblo de Pojoaque in the context of the Aamodtgeneral stream adjudication, which involves the water rights claims of four Pueblos, various governmental entities and thousands of non-Indian defendants. She participated in the decade-long effort to draft a settlement agreement which received congressional approval and funding and was signed into law by President Obama as the Claims Resolution Act in December 2010. She continues to work with the Pueblo on implementation of the settlement including approval of the Partial Final Decree for the Pueblo rights. Prior to joining the firm, Maria served as law clerk to the Honorable James A. Parker of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. Maria previously served as Head of the firm’s Natural Resources and Environment Department and was long time Chair of the Water Resources Group and former Chair of the Energy & Utilities Group. Maria is an avid runner and hiker. When not lawyering or running, she spends time with her two children, husband and three Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Practice Areas

Water Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Water Law, Albuquerque (2023)
Lawyer of the Year: Water Law, Albuquerque (2021)
Lawyer of the Year: Water Law, Albuquerque (2019)
Lawyer of the Year: Water Law, Albuquerque (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Water Law, Albuquerque (2013)
Recognized: Water Law
Practice Area: Utilities Law
Best Lawyers in America® in Water Law, 2007-present
Chambers USA Directories of America's Leading Lawyers for Business and Environment in Natural Resources & Regulated Industries: Water Law, 2006-present
Southwest Super Lawyers® (derived from a lawyer survey), 2014
Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year in Water Law - Albuquerque, 2013

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007

Education

University of New Mexico, J.D., graduated 1991
University of Rhode Island, MS, graduated 1988
Connecticut College, BA, graduated 1984

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Reviews

Mary Campbell

2 weeks ago

Expert guidance on a complex water rights negotiation

Maria O'Brien provided exceptional counsel during a challenging negotiation over water rights for our small agricultural operation. Her deep, three-decade-long expertise in natural resources law, particularly her focus on water quality and regulatory matters, was immediately evident. She navigated the complex state and federal frameworks with a clarity that made a daunting process understandable. While her billing rates reflect her standing as a recognized leader in her field—her multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' awards are well-deserved—the value of her strategic insight was undeniable. Our matter was resolved favorably, protecting a critical asset for our business. The only minor critique would be that during peak periods, response times from her support staff could occasionally lag, but Maria herself was always thoroughly prepared and engaged. I would confidently recommend her for any serious water law issue in New Mexico.