2

Entry Level Water Rights Attorney Jobs in Montana

Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge in water rights adjudication and disputes, property disputes, and contractual disputes. Salary is highly competitive and dependent on experience.

Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge in water rights adjudication and disputes, property disputes, and contractual disputes. Salary is highly competitive and dependent on experience.

Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge in water rights adjudication and disputes, property disputes, and contractual disputes. Salary is highly competitive and dependent on experience.

Entry-Level CAD Designer

Helena, MT · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Example projects include the evaluation and design of dams, fish hatcheries, surface water intakes ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Entry Level Water Rights Attorney information

What does an entry level water rights attorney do?

An entry level water rights attorney assists clients with legal issues related to the use and allocation of water resources. This can involve researching water laws, helping prepare and file water rights applications, reviewing compliance with state and federal regulations, and representing clients in administrative hearings or court cases. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys, supporting litigation or transactional work involving water rights for individuals, businesses, or government entities. This role often requires strong research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a basic understanding of environmental and property law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level water rights attorney?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Rights Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a solid understanding of water law, property rights, and environmental regulations. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), drafting legal documents, and knowledge of regulatory compliance systems are essential. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation abilities, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are vital for successfully advising clients, navigating complex legal frameworks, and advocating in administrative or court proceedings involving water rights.

What types of projects and clients do entry level water rights attorneys typically work with?

Entry level water rights attorneys often assist with a variety of projects, including water rights permitting, transactional due diligence, and regulatory compliance matters. Their clients may range from agricultural producers and municipalities to industrial businesses and private landowners. Attorneys in this role frequently collaborate with seasoned lawyers, hydrologists, and government agencies to research water law issues, draft legal documents, and help resolve disputes. This diversity of projects offers valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in both legal and technical aspects of water rights law.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Rights Attorney vs Junior Water Rights Attorney?

AspectEntry Level Water Rights AttorneyJunior Water Rights Attorney
Required CredentialsLaw degree, passing the bar, basic water law knowledgeLaw degree, passing the bar, similar water law knowledge
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, environmental organizationsLaw firms, government agencies, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsageCommon entry point for water law careersOften used interchangeably with entry level roles

Both roles typically require a law degree and bar admission, working in similar environments within water law. The term "Junior Water Rights Attorney" is often used interchangeably with "Entry Level Water Rights Attorney," referring to early-career positions focused on water rights legal issues.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Montana?

For Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Montana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Montana look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Montana are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Rights Attorney job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Associate Attorney

TAPPAN LAW FIRM PLLC

Helena, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Tappan Law Firm is a small firm representing numerous clients from individual landowners with single-issue property disputes to large businesses with complex permitting and land-use demands. Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge in water rights adjudication and disputes, property disputes, and contractual disputes. Salary is highly competitive and dependent on experience. This position is for an entry to mid-level Associate.
  • Candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice, in good standing, in Montana
  • Candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present complex information to any audience
  • Candidate must have significant interest in water law and property disputes, contracts, and public lands law
  • Candidate must demonstrate a high level of honesty and integrity, recognizing the highly confidential nature of client interactions
  • Candidate must have a history of collaboration and relationship building within and outside of their organization
  • Candidate must be highly organized and detail oriented
  • Candidate must be able to juggle several projects simultaneously and be deadline driven
  • Candidate must demonstrate strong research, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Application Process: Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and two references to rctappan@tappanlawfirm.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not hesitate to email or call with any questions.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance