David Johnson is Of Counsel to Rose Law Group and advises the firm on water resources and environmental matters.
Previously, David worked for the Central Arizona Water Conservation District which is the elected board that operates the Central Arizona Project. The Central Arizona Project is Arizona’s largest renewable water supply and one of the largest water providers in the United States. In that role, David advised CAWCD on all matters involving the Colorado River including water deliveries and allocations, environmental and natural resources laws such as the ESA, NEPA, and CERCLA, and on tribal water settlements.
David also worked for the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the state agency tasked with managing Arizona various water supplies. During that time, David advised the State on certain matters related to the Gila River water rights adjudication, on dam safety, groundwater permitting, AMA planning, and on the water rights claims of Indian communities. David was also responsible for managing the Department’s various regulatory initiatives during his time with ADWR.
Prior to government employment, David worked in private practice where he generally practiced environmental and natural resources law with a diverse range of clients including mining companies, tribal entities, and water and wastewater treatment facilities.
David received his Master of Laws in Environmental Law from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in 2006 and his Juris Doctor from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2004 where he served as Articles Editor for the SMU Law Review. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in 2001.
David has worked extensively with the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy and Resources and has served as a member its Executive Council and chair of multiple committees. David also recently concluded his term as chair of the Arizona State Bar’s Environmental, Energy and Resources Chair. David spends much of his free time with his wife and in raising his four children.
In The News

Governor Katie Hobbs brokers deal for historic, bipartisan water conservation legislation
(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents property owners in advocacy of this bill.) From the Office of Governor Katie Hobbs The “Ag-to-Urban” program is projected to conserve nearly 10 million acre-feet over its lifetime and facilitate the development of tens of thousands of new homes Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Hobbs announced the signing of Senate Bill 1611: Arizona’s “Ag-to-Urban” Groundwater Conservation

Governor Hobbs signs important groundwater legislation benefiting Pinal AMA
HB 2753 strengthens long-term growth and water certainty for Pinal County (Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Pinal Partnership in this issue.) Pinal County, AZ – May 28, 2025 – In a major win for the future of responsible growth in Pinal County, Governor Katie Hobbs signed HB 2753 into law, a critical groundwater bill long supported by members of Pinal Partnership. The bipartisan

Pinal County Water Future: Challenges, solutions, and the road ahead
By Madelaine Braggs | Rose Law Group Reporter PINAL COUNTY— Against the backdrop of a rare rainy morning in Arizona, water experts gathered Friday to discuss the future of water resources in Pinal County. The panel, hosted by Pinal Partnership, brought together key figures in the region’s water management sector to address the challenges and opportunities shaping Arizona’s water landscape. Moderated
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