In a strategic move that reinforces its dominance in water and environmental law, Parsons Behle & Latimer (Parsons) has welcomed Twin Falls-based attorneys Travis L. Thompson and Abby R. Bitzenburg. Parsons’ new attorneys will continue to practice from their respective Twin Falls locations but will officially become part of Parsons’ Boise bench. Thompson and Bitzenburg’s arrival marks a significant expansion of the firm’s award-winning environmental and natural resources practice—already the most experienced in Idaho and a recognized leader throughout the Intermountain Region. Both attorneys join the firm from Marten Law, bringing with them deep experience involving some of the region’s most complex environmental and water issues.
Thompson brings more than 20 years’ experience to Parsons as a shareholder and key member of the firm’s environmental and natural resources practice. One of Idaho’s leading water lawyers, Thompson represents individual farmers, ranchers, irrigation organizations and municipal providers statewide. Known for his client-first approach, he brings practical insight and steady guidance to resolving complex environmental and natural resource challenges with common sense and integrity. Thompson regularly appears before Idaho’s adjudication courts and the Idaho Department Water Resources and has advised on a variety of real property and water right sales. He has successfully represented local canal companies and irrigation districts before the Idaho Supreme Court, securing important decisions protecting senior water right interests. A lifelong Idaho resident, Thompson is uniquely familiar with water rights and land issues that have touched all parts of the state.
"I am honored to join the Intermountain West's premiere law firm,” Thompson says. “The Parsons' water and natural resource practitioners are second to none and understand their clients and locales. The collective energy and experience at this firm will be an asset to our clients and their communities throughout southern Idaho. It's a privilege to have this opportunity, one that I will not take for granted."
“Travis brings with him not only a strong command of water law but a client-focused approach that fits perfectly with Parsons’ values and our culture of service,” said Norman M. Semanko, office managing shareholder of Parsons’ Boise office. “His addition reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier counsel in one of Idaho’s most critical legal sectors.”
Bitzenburg also brings her specialized legal experience to Parsons’ environmental and natural resources practice with a focus on water rights permitting adjudication and administration issues, practiced throughout the state of Idaho. Bitzenburg represents individual water users, canal companies, municipal providers and irrigation districts in a wide variety of matters. She says, “Joining Parsons offers an excellent environment with a support system that will enable me to better serve my clients while continuing to expand my knowledge in the water and natural resource practice areas.”
“Abby’s thoughtful and strategic approach to environmental challenges makes her an incredible asset to our team and our clients,” added Semanko. “With both Abby and Travis on board, Parsons continues to lead in providing expert legal guidance on water and environmental matters across Idaho and the broader region.”
With Thompson and Bitzenburg as part of its water and environmental practice, Parsons strengthens its position as not only the go-to law firm for water and natural resources law in Idaho, but also in the Intermountain Region. The firm proudly represents all seven of Idaho’s irrigation districts and canal companies that make up the Surface Water Coalition in the Magic Valley (South Central Idaho) and has an unparalleled track record of success in water rights adjudication, permitting and regulatory matters. Parsons' deep expertise in environmental law dates to the firm’s founding in 1882, anchoring its longstanding reputation as a leader in environmental and natural resources law.
Parsons’ CEO and Chairperson Shawn C. Ferrin says, “Travis and Abby’s addition represents Parsons’ continued investment in delivering best-in-class service across the Intermountain Region, bolstering its ability to support clients facing increasingly complex environmental and water-related challenges. We are extremely pleased that these leading attorneys have chosen to become part of Parsons Behle & Latimer.”
For more information about Parsons and its environmental and natural resources practice, visit www.parsonsbehle.com.
