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Entry Level Water Rights Attorney Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Water Rights Attorney information

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Utah? For Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Utah are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Rights Attorney job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Associate Commercial Counsel

WesTech Engineering

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


WesTech Engineering rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 440 rated engineering


Job description

Our mission at WesTech is to help communities thrive by delivering high-quality water solutions with superior service - safely and sustainably. To achieve this mission, we recruit great people to be part of our collegial and collaborative teams in engineering, design, project management, field service, plant operations, professional services and more.
As one of the leading operating brands of Swire Water, our values of integrity, humility, endeavor, excellence and continuity make this an outstanding working environment. Our continuing success creates attractive opportunities for purpose-driven professionals to develop new skills, support vital industries, and grow their careers.
Summary
The Associate Commercial Counsel will provide legal support across the company's commercial operations, with a focus on contract drafting, review, and negotiation for engineering, procurement, and construction matters. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career attorney to gain hands-on experience in many areas of law, including specifically construction and commercial law, within a specialized, technical industry.
Candidates for this position may be required to pass pre-employment and periodic screenings, including background checks, drug and alcohol tests, or other necessary assessments.
Some of the work you will do:
  • Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including EPC contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, NDAs, teaming agreements, and vendor/supplier contracts
  • Support risk identification and mitigation in contract terms, including indemnification, warranty, liability, and insurance provisions
  • Assist in resolving contract disputes and change order negotiations in coordination with project management and business teams
  • Collaborate with procurement, engineering, and project teams to ensure contractual compliance throughout project lifecycles
  • Help maintain contract templates, playbooks, and internal legal guidance documents
  • Monitor and advise on compliance with relevant regulatory, licensing, and industry standards applicable to water infrastructure projects
  • Support the General Counsel and senior legal staff on ad hoc corporate, commercial, and risk management matters

Here are the skills that you need:
  • J.D. from an accredited law school; admitted to practice law (or eligible for admission) in Utah or Iowa
  • 0-3 years of relevant legal experience
  • Strong drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Here are the skills and qualifications that will set you apart:
  • Legal experience with commercial contracts, construction law, or engineering/ infrastructure industries.
  • Interest in construction, engineering, or environmental/infrastructure sectors preferred

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to perform tasks while in a sedentary position using a computer and phone.
  • Frequently required to engage in talking, hearing, and visual focus.
  • Regularly required to move throughout the facility, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
  • Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Benefits and perks we offer:
  • Competitive salary and performance-based annual bonuses.
  • Dollar for dollar 401K match of 6%.
  • Flexible work hours, hybrid schedules with remote work options.
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package with an onsite and virtual medical facility
  • Company HSA contribution, Paid Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program
  • Company-paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Long-term Disability.
  • PTO plan and Paid Holidays.
  • Tuition Reimbursement.
  • Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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