Stephen B. Johnson

EDUCATION

• University of Colorado School of Law Juris Doctor.

• 1977 – 1980
• Activities and Societies: Environmental Law Institute; Natural Resources Law Clinic.

• Colorado College Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude.

• Political Science Major, Environmental Science Minor.
• 1973 – 1977
• Activities and Societies: Blue Key, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Chi, Colorado College Mountain Club (Keeper of the Great Book).

• Independent Coursework

• Ongoing Colorado Real Estate Law Seminars.
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PROFESSIONAL

• President and Senior Counsel

• Stephen B. Johnson Law Firm, P.C.
• 2005 – Present

• Chief Resident Counsel, Telluride, CO

• Bendelow Law Firm, P. C.
• 1992 – 2005 (13 years)

Opened branch office and supervised two attorneys in up to four-person office and developed local clientele.

• Town Attorney

• Town of Telluride
• 1986 – 1992 (6 years)

Served a seven person Town Council and numerous boards and commissions. Participated in the first Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act (CERCLA) United States District Court trial against Newmont Mining Corporation and Idarado Mining Co. as Assistant Deputy Attorney General for the State of Colorado. Negotiated a landmark settlement of Town claims including water rights acquisition. Re-codified the Land Use Code. Drafted the Town's first Ethics Code. Oversaw wood stove abatement and Clean Air Act compliance. Drafted the Town's Clean Indoor Air Act. Handled numerous annexations and utility extension agreements. Successfully defended several land use challenges in District Court.

• Assistant County Attorney

• Mesa County Colorado Assistant County Attorney
• 1983 – 1986 (3 years)

Initially handled child protection services, including adoptions, support enforcement, child protection treatment plans. Served as advisor to elected officials, including Sheriff and Assessor. Represented the County in numerous land use, planning and inter-governmental matters.

• Assistant to Public Works Director

• City of Grand Junction, Colorado
• 1981-1983 (2 years)

Oversaw Clean Water Act and grant compliance for the Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant. Negotiated numerous pre-treatment agreements with connector districts. Oversaw flood protection programs for municipal reservoirs. Addressed ditch and road right-of ways. Assisted with litigation to preserve Glade Park access through Colorado National Monument.

• Law Clerk

• Water Court, Division 1, Greeley, Colorado
• 1980 – 1981 (1 year)

Clerk to the Hon. Robert A. Behrman, Water Judge, Division 1. Also served as Juvenile Commissioner and bailiffed six jury trials.