Leonard H. Dougal

Career

Leonard Dougal is an environmental lawyer who represents a diverse group of clients in complex permitting and water matters, including technology companies, power generation companies, real estate developers and special districts. He is also active in water quality and wetlands issues where he represents energy companies, developers and agricultural operators in Clean Water Act permit and compliance matters.

As a recognized authority on emerging water law issues, Leonard is frequently sought after to speak at bar and continuing legal education seminars. He is the author of two chapters in the treatise on Texas water law, “The Essentials of Texas Water Resources”.

Leonard has a special interest in solving water supply issues for clients, including permitting of groundwater, contracting with others for new water supplies, conveying or reserving water rights, or reusing treated wastewater.

Leonard is board certified in Administrative Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is also a Texas licensed Professional Engineer (inactive).

Professional Memberships

Headwaters at the Comal, Board of Directors, 2016-2022

Sustainable Food Center, Board of Directors, 2022

Friends of the Libraries and Archives of Texas, Board Member, 2016-2022

United Way of Central Texas, 2016 Tocqueville Society, Volunteer

Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas, Pro Bono Representation

University of Texas School of Law – Environmental Law Clinic, Board of Advisors, 2005-2009

Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Exam Committee – Administrative Law, 2006- 2009

Practice Areas

Environment & Natural Resources; Energy

Publications

“Confidentiality of Water Quality Management Plans in Texas,” Jackson Walker Insights (June 23, 2020)

“U.S. Supreme Court Finds That Clean Water Act’s Permitting Requirements Can Extend to Discharges Through Groundwater,” Jackson Walker Insights (April 24, 2020)

“EPA Proposes Rule to Exempt Farm Animal Waste Reporting,” Jackson Walker Insights (November 15, 2018)

Flood Management, Essentials of Texas Water Resources (TexasBarBooks) (2018)

Drinking Water Supply Issues: Water Utilities—CCNS and Rates, Essentials of Texas Water Resources (TexasBarBooks) (2018)

Chapter 25 Agriculture, Texas Practice Series – Environmental Law (Thompson/West 2018)

Education

Work Highlights

A career highlight for Leonard Dougal was the representation of one of the world’s largest private equity investors involving all aspects of water rights due diligence and transaction terms in the purchase of a national hotel and golf resort property located in Texas. The complicated and high-profile transaction involved significant deal points focused on the management of the conveyance of groundwater rights and securing title insurance for the rights.