Sheryl Sweeney represents public and private energy interests in environmental, energy, and water law matters.
Education
Recognitions
AV-Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell
Ranked by Chambers USA since 2011 in Environmental Law. In 2014-1014, she was ranked a Band 1 attorney, the highest ranking awarded by Chambers.
Named among Best Lawyers in America® for Energy Law (2013-2025), Environmental Law (2009-2025), Natural Resources Law (2007-2025), Water Law (2007-2025) by Best Lawyers
Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Natural Resources Law (2019, 2022)
Selected to the Phoenix, Arizona Super Lawyers list for Energy & Natural Resources (2007 – 2009, 2011 – 2012).
Named one of 2017’s Most Influential Women and 2018’s Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona by AZBusiness Magazine.
In September 2021, the Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona presented Sheryl with a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize her deep knowledge of Arizona water law and her decades of experience providing advice to irrigation and drainage districts across the state.
Memberships
American Bar Association
Maricopa County Bar Association, Environmental and Natural Resource Law Section
Colorado River Water Users Association, Member
Arizona Farm Bureau, Member
Arizona Town Hall, Member
American Society for Testing Materials, Member
State Bar Licenses
Organizations
Audubon Arizona, Director, 2010-present
PUBLICATIONS
- “3 (of Many) Shortcomings of the EPA and Army Corps’ Proposed Rule to Define ‘Waters of the U.S.’,” Ryley Carlock & Applewhite Client Alert, Co-Author, January 2015
- “Environment, Energy and Resources Law: The Year in Review,” American Bar Association, Contributing Author, 2011 Edition
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- “How to Turn Colorado and Arizona Water Rights Into a Valuable Asset,” Ryley Carlock & Applewhite Seminar, May 2016
- “Without a Paddle: Navigating the Murky Waters of the Clean Water Act’s Definition of ‘Waters of the U.S.’,” U.S. Society for Irrigation and Drainage Professionals’ Water Management Conference, Co-Presenter, December 2014
- “Water and Energy,” Law Seminars International, April 2011
- “Arizona Water Laws and Regulations,” Halfmoon Seminars, February 2009
- “Future Leadership Opportunities for Women in the Water Industry,” Arizona Women in Water Network, May 2007
- “Water Rights Sales and Transfers as a Water Management Tool in Arizona,” Lorman Education Services, May 2007
- “Recent Amendments to ADWR’s Assured and Adequate Water Supply Rules for New Subdivisions,” MCBA Environmental Law Section, October 2006
- “Effluent Reuse 2000,” Arizona Water & Pollution Control Association, July 2000
- “Electric Retail Competition,” MCBA Corporate Counsel Division Seminar, November 1997
- “Environmental Consulting Contracts,” MCBA Ethics and Contracting Concerns of Environmental, Legal and Consulting Practices Seminar, May 1997
- “Development in Soil Clean-up Standards,” Ryley Carlock & Applewhite’s Recent Changes in Arizona’s UST Program Seminar, May 1996
- “Essential Issues in Natural Resources and Environmental Law for Lawyers and Lay People,” Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Northern Arizona University Seminar, May 1993