About John Mabey

John Mabey’s law practice specializes in all matters related to Utah water law and water rights. He is a partner in the firm of Mabey Wright & James where he represents cities and other public water suppliers, irrigation companies, mining and industrial companies, and various business and development interests.

Prior to going into private practice in July 2000, Mr. Mabey served nearly 14 years as a Utah Assistant Attorney General where he was counsel to the Utah State Engineer and the Utah Division of Water Rights. There he provided daily consultation to the State Engineer regarding all aspects of water rights and State Engineer policies, water rights litigation and general adjudications. He also assisted in the development of groundwater management plans and appropriation policies in Cache Valley, Utah Valley, Salt Lake Valley and in other locations throughout the State of Utah. Mr. Mabey served as Chair of the Water Law Committee for the Utah State Bar and is a Reporter for the Water Law Newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation.

Prior to graduating from the University of Utah College of Law in 1985, Mr. Mabey obtained a B.S. degree from Brigham Young University in Geography/Land Use Planning with a double minor in Geology and Spanish. He worked two years as the City Planner for Riverton, Utah.