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Biography
Monica Jacobs joined Kelly Hart & Hallman in 2007. Ms. Jacobs graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1998, where she was a member of Order of the Coif and served on the Texas Law Review. Following law school, she served as a Briefing Attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas, where she worked on a wide array of appellate issues. Before joining Kelly Hart & Hallman, Ms. Jacobs was a partner at Brown McCarroll LLP and an associate at Bracewell & Giuliani LLP. Ms. Jacobs has been named a "Texas Rising Star" by Texas Monthly magazine for the years 2004-2007. She is a partner in the Environmental and Administrative Law practice group.
Ms. Jacobs' practice focuses on representation of regulated entities in environmental matters, including water rights, water utility matters and other water and water-related environmental issues at the local, state and federal levels. Ms. Jacobs' specific experience includes water supply planning, developments and protection for major municipalities; all types of water permitting, including water rights applications and amendments; water reuse; water rights sales and supply contracts; issues related to in situ uranium recovery, exploration, permitting, and closure; representation before groundwater districts; obtaining and amending water and waterwaste certificates and necessity; and representing clients in municipal solid waste landfill hearings.
Education & Honors
B.S., with honors, summa cum laude, The University of Houston, 1995
J.D., with honors, The University of Texas School of Law, 1998
Order of the Coif
Texas Law Review
Named "Texas Rising Star" by Texas Monthly magazine, 2004-2007
Outstanding Young Alumni Award from University of Houston Honors College, 2000
Admission & Affiliations
Texas, 1998
Chair, Environmental, Natural Resources and Water Law Section of Austin Bar Association, 2005-2007
Immediate Past Chair, 2007-2008
Advisory Board Member for University Of Texas School of Law's Environmental Law Clinic
Significant Matters
First Chair in Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) contested case hearing regarding applications to amend uranium mining production area restoration tables; received favorable decision from Judge and Commission on all issues.
First Chair in TCEQ enforcement contested case; after the conclusion of the live hearing, TCEQ requested that the case be remanded prior to the issuance of the Judge's decision.
Drafted substantial revisions to Chapter 131 of the Natural Resources Code and Chapter 27 of the Water Code regarding in situ uranium mining and groundwater use on the behalf of three uranium mining companies; worked with legislative and agency staff and other stakeholders; both bills were passed unanimously by both the Texas House and Senate.
Lead successful effort to obtain water and wastewater certificates of convenience and necessity for the City of Austin's eastern extraterritorialjurisdiction (ETJ).
Worked on all aspects of water rights issues for major municipalities, including permitted and strategy regarding the transport and reuse of effluent and state-mandated regional planning.
Publications & Speeches
Case Law Update, New Directions in Water Presentation at the 2008 The Texas Water Conservation Association and The Texas Rural Water Association Water Law Seminar, Austin, Texas, February 2008.
Texas Water Rights...Amenity Lakes, Detention Ponds, and Dams, Presentation to LJA Engineering Company, Austin, Texas, January 2008
Speaker, "Water Rights Permitting Process," Brazos G Regional Water Planning Group, Brazos River Authority, Waco, Texas, October 24, 2007 | 