Dean A. Couch

B.A., University of Central Oklahoma, 1976

J.D., University of Oklahoma, 1982

About

Dean Couch joined the University of Oklahoma College of Law as an Adjunct Professor in 2016, teaching Water Law for the Energy Industry. Couch began his public service career with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board in 1982 as Staff Attorney for three years then as General Counsel for 27 years. He provided legal advice and guidance to the state agency on a broad range of topics, including traditional stream water and ground water rights implementation and enforcement, interstate stream compacts, water quality matters, financial assistance programs including bond issues, loans, and grants for public water and sewer infrastructure projects, water well drilling licensing, dam safety, water planning, and coordination with federal agencies and Indian tribal governments relating to water rights.

Dean has been adjunct professor of Water Law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and University of Tulsa College of Law, and has been guest lecturer in Oil and Gas Practice and Water Law courses at the Oklahoma City University College of Law. He also has presented several water law related topics and at many seminars.

After retirement from the state agency in 2013, Dean became Of Counsel at GableGotwals firm in Oklahoma City, with continuing emphasis on a growing water law practice. In early 2023, Professor Couch opened a solo practice limited to consulting with other lawyers and assisting clients in water law and water rights matters.