Erika S. Gibson
Erika S. Gibson
Practice Areas
- Water Law
- Real Estate & Real Property
- Land Use
- Municipal
- Business & Contract Law
- Transactions & Negotiations
Contact Erika
About Erika
Erika focuses her practice on water law, real estate, and business transactions. She represents a range of clients—from ranchers and homeowners to special districts and developers. Erika adds value by spotting issues before they become costly problems. She takes a thoughtful approach, working to understand her clients’ goals and offering clear explanations and options to support informed decisions.
A Colorado native, Erika has a long-standing personal and professional interest in Western resources and policy. She is Chair of the City of Glenwood Springs River Commission and is an active volunteer with the Middle Colorado Watershed Council. Prior to joining Karp Neu Hanlon, she practiced at regional law firms and clerked for the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of the Interior. Outside of work, she enjoys trail running, river running, and running a paintbrush across canvas.
Education
- University of Oregon School of Law (J.D., 2015)
- Columbia University, B.A., Political Science (2005)
Bar Admissions
- Colorado (2015)
Professional Affiliations
- City of Glenwood Springs, River Commissioner (2016 – present), Chair (2023 – 2025)
- 9th Judicial District Bar Association, 2023 President
- Middle Colorado Watershed Council, Public Outreach Committee
- Colorado Bar Association
- Roaring Fork Leadership Academy (2019 – 2020)
Professional Experience
- JVAM PLLC through merger with Beattie, Houpt & Jarvis, LLP, Associate (2021 – 2024)
- Balcomb & Green, P.C., Associate (2016–2021)
- U.S. Dept. of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Law Clerk (2014)
- U.S. Dept. of Interior, Office of the Solicitor, Law Clerk (2013)
- State of Colorado, Governor’s Energy Office (2009–2012)
Publications
- Author, Your Watershed Column: Unpacking Snowpack in the Upper Colorado Basin.
- Author, Solid Ground for Tribal Groundwater: A Look at Implied Rights to Groundwater Quality and Property Rights in the Subsurface, 31 JENVLL 269
