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Pragmatic water litigator and skilled negotiator. Nearly 30 years of water law experience. Plays a leading role in California’s most important water rights cases.

Rob Saperstein is widely respected for his ability to optimize his client’s rights in groundwater, surface water and recycled water development and management. Public entity water suppliers and large landowners rely on his legal counsel to protect and maximize their water resources. Working in both transactional and litigation settings, Rob is known for an approach that provides creative and pragmatic solutions built upon storied experience.

Throughout Rob’s nearly three decades of legal practice, he’s played a critical role in litigation to protect water rights resulting in groundbreaking appellate decisions that have shaped California water law. Rob is frequently sought out for strategic and legal guidance on matters pending before local agencies, the California State Water Resources Control Board, various regional water quality control boards, the California Public Utilities Commission and state and federal courts. He’s worked extensively with clients on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act since its implementation.

Rob’s military background shapes his noteworthy leadership skills. He was a member of Brownstein’s Executive Committee, co-chair of the Natural Resources Department, and served as California offices managing partner. Prior to its merger with Brownstein, Rob served as the managing partner of Hatch & Parent.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 1021 Anacapa Street , Second Floor
    Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2711
Education
  • University of Washington, J.D., graduated 1993
Bar Admissions
  • California, The State Bar of California
  • Arizona, State Bar of Arizona
Affiliations
  • Association of California Water Agencies - Program Committe
  • Association of Water Agencies, Ventura County - Water Issues Committee
  • Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District Hearing Board - Chair
  • Santa Barbara County Bar Association - Member
  • Water Reuse Association - Member

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Water Law
Special Focus:
  • Water
Awards:
  • Member of the Year, Association of Water Agencies of Ventura County, 2003
  • Who's Who in Professional Services
  • US Navy, Commissioned Officer, Naval Nuclear Submarine Force, 1982-1987
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Natural Resources Law

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Publications

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