CRAIG A. CARNES
CRAIG A.
CARNES
Mr. Carnes joined Wanger Jones Helsley PC as Of Counsel in 2025, after over a decade working for the well-known water law firm of Ellison, Schneider, Harris & Donlan LLP. Mr. Carnes’ practice focuses on water and natural resources law, including water rights and supply issues and related environmental issues such as compliance with the Endangered Species Act, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Protection Act, and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
Mr. Carnes was born and raised in Sacramento. Mr. Carnes graduated Summa Cum Laude from California State University Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.
Thereafter, Mr. Carnes attended and graduated Order of the Coif from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
Mr. Carnes enjoys outdoor activities and spends his free time with his daughter, Ava, and his three dogs.
Admissions
California
United States Court of Appeal, 9th Circuit
United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Districts of California
Education
Juris Doctor, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2005
Bachelor of Science, California State University Sacramento, 2001
HONORS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Mr. Carnes is a contributing author to the Association of California Water Agencies’ (ACWA) annual publication, Summary of Appellate Cases, and has previously served as a contributing author to the American Bar Association’s The Year in Review (Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources).
Community Involvement
Mr. Carnes volunteers with the Humane Society.