The Utah Attorney General's Office, Natural Resources Division is seeking a dedicated paralegal to provide essential legal support to Assistant Attorneys General in matters relating to water rights ...
The Utah Attorney General's Office, Natural Resources Division is seeking a dedicated paralegal to provide essential legal support to Assistant Attorneys General in matters relating to water rights ...
Entry Level Water Rights Attorney information
See Layton, UT salary details
$56.3K - $68.1K
4% of jobs
$68.1K - $79.9K
7% of jobs
$79.9K - $91.6K
10% of jobs
$98.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$91.6K - $103.4K
5% of jobs
$103.4K - $115.2K
13% of jobs
The median wage is $125.9K / yr.
$115.2K - $127K
11% of jobs
$127K - $138.7K
15% of jobs
$145.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$138.7K - $150.5K
16% of jobs
$150.5K - $162.3K
11% of jobs
$162.3K - $174K
5% of jobs
$174K - $185.8K
2% of jobs
$56.3K
$125.8K
$185.8K
How much do entry level water rights attorney jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water rights attorney in Layton, UT is $125,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,600.00 and $146,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Water Rights Attorney, and why are they important?
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?
| Aspect | Entry Level Water Rights Attorney | Junior Water Rights Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Law degree, passing the bar, basic water law knowledge | Law degree, passing the bar, similar water law knowledge |
| Work Environment | Law firms, government agencies, environmental organizations | Law firms, government agencies, environmental organizations |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Common entry point for water law careers | Often 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 the most commonly searched types of Water Rights Attorney jobs in Layton, UT? The most popular types of Water Rights Attorney jobs in Layton, UT are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Layton, UT? For Entry Level Water Rights Attorney jobs in Layton, UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Other
Posted 19 days ago
Job description
The Utah Attorney General's Office, Natural Resources Division is seeking a dedicated paralegal to provide essential legal support to Assistant Attorneys General in matters relating to water rights and the State Engineer's Office. The paralegal works closely with attorneys, clients, and other legal staff and is involved in the preparation, management, and resolution of cases, with a major focus on General Stream Adjudications.
Key Responsibilities
- Case Preparation: Establishes, organizes, and/or maintains files, both internal and public facing. Reviews case files and maintains document control, tracking and tracing of court and/or administrative filings, and other documents.
- Case Preparation: Drafts various routine legal documents, including petitions, answers, motions and supporting memoranda, notices, and discovery documents such as interrogatories, requests for admission, and requests for production of documents, etc. Conducts factual research and compiles information obtained from investigations.
- Legal and Factual Research: Searches public and private records. Investigates and prepares cases, including gathering evidence, working on pleadings, and preparing for trial. Assists attorneys in locating, obtaining, tracking, and disseminating information and evidence. Knowledge of legal terminology, court processes and systems, and legal processes and procedures is a must. Makes decisions to solve problems by using logic and research to identify key facts, explore alternative pathways to resolution, and propose solutions.
- Team Collaboration and Professional Conduct: Can work independently but also work effectively as part of a team. Deals with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism, whether they be fellow Attorney General employees, the client, or members of the public. Comply with ABA Legal Assistant code of ethics.
Additional Duties:
Draft correspondence and other legal documents.
Analyze and summarize data; interpret results and/or make recommendations.
Research public and private records in compliance with state and federal laws.
Assist with discovery needs and participate in strategy sessions for case preparation.
Maintain case files, maintain document and calendar control, and meet strict deadlines.
Proofread outgoing pleadings for content, grammar, and errors.
Work Environment
Paralegals in the Natural Resources Division are expected to work independently under attorney supervision. They may handle high-impact cases and supervise other support staff. The position requires adherence to ABA guidelines.
About the Natural Resources Division
The Natural Resources Division provides legal and litigation support to the Utah Department of Natural Resources and its divisions, including Forestry, Fire & State Lands; Oil, Gas & Mining; Parks & Recreation; Water Resources; Water Rights; Wildlife Resources; and the Utah Geological Survey. The division also represents and supports the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office and the Constitutional Defense Council in matters involving the protection, use, stewardship, and conservation of Utah's public lands, roads, and natural resources. This position primarily serves the Division of Water Rights.
From safeguarding Utah's interstate water allocations to advancing the state's agricultural and resource interests, the division addresses a broad range of complex legal challenges. Through focused counsel and skilled advocacy, the Natural Resources Division ensures that the agencies entrusted with Utah's lands and waters can responsibly manage, develop, and preserve the state's natural heritage for future generations.