Water Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Information This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General.

The Water Resources Unit and Water Conservation Unit of the Natural Resources and Environment Section are seeking an experienced attorney with a passion for Colorado water law and an interest in the appropriation, adjudication, administration, and protection of surface and groundwater rights on behalf of the people of Colorado. This position offers a unique opportunity to work directly with leaders of state agencies, water users, and other stakeholders on complex legal matters affecting the beneficial use, administration, and protection of Colorado's water supplies across the state's river basins and aquifers. Colorado has long played a leading role in the development and administration of the prior appropriation system and continues to advance the coordinated use of surface and groundwater resources, as well as the protection of the environment through the Colorado Water Conservation Board's instream flow and natural lake level water rights.

This attorney will work as part of a fast-paced, collaborative team of legal and technical professionals representing the Colorado Division of Water Resources and the Colorado Water Conservation Board on significant and often complex water law matters. Application will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

WHO WE ARE The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. Learn more about the Colorado Attorney General's Office here

Description of Job WHAT YOU WILL DO The Water Resources Unit represents and advises the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), which includes the Office of the State Engineer, the seven Division Engineers of Colorado's seven Water Divisions (South Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, Gunnison, Colorado, Yampa/North Platte, and San Juan/Dolores Rivers), the Dam Safety Section, the Colorado Groundwater Commission, and the Colorado Board of Examiners of Water Well and Geothermal Heat Exchanger Contractors. The Water Conservation Unit represents and advises the Stream and Lake Protection Section of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the acquisition, adjudication, and protection of instream flow water rights. The Unit also advises other sections within the CWCB in implementation of their programs, as well as represents other state agencies in the adjudication and protection of water rights.

The Assistant Attorney General will join a dedicated team of water attorneys and legal professionals working on behalf of the State of Colorado and its state agencies to defend the rule of law, protect the water resources of the State of Colorado, and to maximize the beneficial use of water for Colorado's growth and prosperity. The attorney may be assigned to the Water Resources Unit, the Water Conservation Unit, or both, depending on operational needs. In this role, you will have the opportunity to: Represent State Agencies in Water Rights and Water Use Litigation Represents the Colorado Division of Water Resources, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and other state agencies in water court, state and federal courts, and administrative proceedings involving water rights, well permits, and water resource management.

Litigates matters involving applications for new water rights, changes of water rights, plans for augmentation, exchanges, enforcement actions, and other proceedings under Colorado's Water Right Determination and Administration Act. Handles appeals of water court decisions, final agency actions, and other judicial proceedings involving water law. Develops litigation strategy, conducts legal research, drafts pleadings, motions, briefs, settlement agreements, and appellate filings, and appears in state court on behalf of state agencies.

Provide Legal Counsel and Regulatory Advice Advises agency leadership and staff regarding the interpretation and application of Colorado water law, administrative law, and related statutes affecting surface and ground water administration and allocation. Provides legal advice concerning water rights administration, decree interpretation, rulemaking, administrative procedures, the Colorado Open Records Act, the Colorado Open Meetings Law, and other legal issues affecting agency operations and decisions. Reviews proposed legislation, regulations, contracts, and policies to assess legal implications and provide recommendations.

Represent Clients in Administrative Proceedings Represents clients before administrative tribunals and boards involving well permit issuances and denials, enforcement actions, rulemaking proceedings, agency appeals, and other matters affecting water use and water rights administration. Advises agencies throughout administrative proceedings, prepares legal memoranda and proposed orders, and represents agency positions during hearings and public meetings. Protect Colorado's Water Resources Represents the Colorado Water Conservation Board in the acquisition, adjudication, administration, and protection of instream flow and natural lake level water rights.

Provides legal support to agency programs involving flood mitigation, water conservation, and water project financing. Collaborates with attorneys, engineers, hydrologists, and other technical experts to protect the State's water resources and promote the beneficial use of water consistent with Colorado law. Stakeholder Collaboration and Client Representation Serves as legal counsel to agency leadership by providing practical legal advice, developing litigation and regulatory strategies, and presenting legal recommendations.

Collaborates with state agencies, local governments, water users, federal agencies, attorneys, and other stakeholders to resolve complex water law issues and advance the State's interests. Represents the Department and client agencies during public meetings, stakeholder discussions, legislative hearings, and professional conferences, as appropriate. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions within the Natural Resource and Environment Section at the Department of Law.

Salary note: The Department of Law uses an attorney compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. In order to be appointed as a Senior Assistant Attorney General, candidates must have a minimum of ten years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in Colorado water law or other legal experience directly related to the assignment.

Relevant expertise may include experience advising clients on the appropriation, adjudication, administration, protection, or enforcement of surface and groundwater rights and/or representing water users, governmental entities, or other clients in civil litigation involving water use and water rights. If the position is filled at the level of Senior Assistant Attorney General, the pay range will be $112,564 to $150,556/year. Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II).

The salary range for an AAG II is $102,099 - $136,557/annually. Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Qualified applicants must be admitted to the Colorado Bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application.

Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado Bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. We are looking for individuals who have experience in civil litigation, including trial experience and experience with Colorado water law, the State Administrative Procedures Act, rulemakings, negotiating settlements, and transactional work.

Please highlight and detail your trial, motions, and discovery experience in your cover letter. We are also seeking candidates who have: A genuine enthusiasm for water law Experience with water court practice and negotiation and interpretation of water court decrees Experience with reviewing water rights engineering and water rights accounting Excellent writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills Keen attention to detail Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities Ability to work effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders Ability to manage a significant caseload and work effectively in a fast-paced litigation environment Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of legal team Desire and ability to be responsive and timely in all communications to clients and colleagues Confidence to work with sophisticated clients, including engineers, hydrologists, and policy professionals Eagerness to learn complex subject matter and develop expertise in water law Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity Demonstrated commitment to promoting a culture of integrity and accountability within the office Sound judgment when working with high-level stakeholders, including knowing when to consult teammates and supervisors A demonstrated commitment to public service, ethics and professional responsibility For the Senior Assistant Attorney General position, we are seeking applicants who have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in Colorado water law or other legal experience directly related to the assignment. Relevant expertise may include experience advising clients on the appropriation, adjudication, administration, protection, or enforcement of surface and groundwater rights and/or representing water users, governmental entities, or other clients in civil litigation involving water use and water rights.

Applicants should highlight in their cover letter any relevant experience, including any experience with including any experience in civil litigation, including trial experience and experience with Colorado water law, the State Administrative Procedures Act, rulemakings, negotiating settlements, and transactional work. Applicants are also encouraged to describe their experience mentoring lawyers and staff. We are looking for a teammate who has excellent interpersonal and client relationship skills, who thrives in and enjoys fostering a collaborative and friendly work environment, but who can also effectively work independently.

The strongest candidates will also have: More than ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in Colorado water law or other legal experience directly related to the assignment. Relevant expertise may include experience advising clients on the appropriation, adjudication, administration, protection, or enforcement of surface and groundwater rights and/or representing water users, governmental entities, or other clients in civil litigation involving water use and water rights. Experience serving as lead counsel in complex litigation, including developing litigation strategy, managing all phases of litigation, and successfully negotiating complex settlements.

Demonstrated subject matter expertise in the interpretation and application of Colorado's water laws. Exceptional strategic, analytical, legal research, negotiation, and written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to resolve novel or high-profile legal issues. Demonstrated ability to independently manage a complex and demanding caseload while balancing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and exercising sound professional judgment with minimal supervision.

Experience advising executive leadership, agency decision-makers, and technical professionals on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters. Significant experience negotiating settlements, resolving disputes, and working collaboratively with opposing counsel, stakeholders, and governmental entities to achieve legally sound outcomes. Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading attorneys and legal teams, including providing technical guidance, litigation strategy, or professional development.

Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and establish credibility with clients, agency leadership, technical experts, and external stakeholders. Excellent judgment, professionalism, discretion, and political awareness when advising high-level stakeholders on matters involving significant legal, operational, or public policy implications. Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to independently identify legal risks, develop practical solutions, and manage complex matters with minimal supervision.

Demonstrated commitment to public service and the protection, administration, and responsible stewardship of Colorado's water resources. Demonstrated commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and client service. The qualifications for an Assistant Attorney General II are: Applicants must: Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application.

Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment Have three years' experience as a licensed attorney. Be passionate and enthusiastic about having a career in water law. Be willing to periodically travel within the State.

Our ideal candidate will have: Experience with Colorado water court practice and negotiation of complex water court decrees, including drafting pleadings, motions, and proposed decrees ...