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Water Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

System Soft Technologies

Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$10K/mo

We are a team of around 10 lawyers who focus on regulatory, environmental, and business matters for electric, natural gas, and water utilities, energy companies, and telecommunications providers ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Associate

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$10K/mo

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney interested in working on cutting-edge ... The opportunity to work directly on matters involving electric, natural gas, water utilities ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Associate

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$10K/mo

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney interested in working on cutting-edge ... The opportunity to work directly on matters involving electric, natural gas, water utilities ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Associate

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$10K/mo

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney interested in working on cutting-edge ... The opportunity to work directly on matters involving electric, natural gas, water utilities ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Associate

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$10K/mo

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney interested in working on cutting-edge ... The opportunity to work directly on matters involving electric, natural gas, water utilities ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Associate

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$10K/mo

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated attorney interested in working on cutting-edge ... The opportunity to work directly on matters involving electric, natural gas, water utilities ...

Clean Water Services

Deputy General Counsel

OR · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Clean Water Services Central, OR Job Type: Regular Full-Time Job Number: 26-48 Department: Legal ... Oversees attorneys and professional staff within the Office of General Counsel, ensuring effective ...

Innovation Consulting

Associate General Counsel

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$185K - $343K/yr

... water utility in the United States -- to recruit a Director, Associate General Counsel for their ... The Legal Department is a lean, high-impact team of attorneys providing full-service legal support ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Attorney JobsWater Attorney Jobs in Oregon

Water Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$48.6K

$114.4K

$182.4K

How much do water attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for water attorney in Oregon is $114,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,600.00 and $137,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water attorney?

Water attorneys are lawyers who specialize in water law, which involves the legal rights and regulations surrounding the use, distribution, and protection of water resources. They represent individuals, businesses, government agencies, and water districts in matters such as water rights disputes, permitting, water quality issues, and compliance with state and federal water regulations. Water attorneys often provide guidance on securing and transferring water rights, navigating complex environmental laws, and resolving conflicts over water usage. Their work is critical in regions where water is scarce or heavily regulated, ensuring that clients comply with laws while advocating for their interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Attorney, you need a solid background in environmental or water law, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, and admission to the state bar. Familiarity with legal research tools, water rights databases, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in representing clients and navigating complex legal frameworks. These skills are crucial for advocating effectively, ensuring compliance with water laws, and resolving disputes in a highly specialized legal field.

What is the difference between Water Attorney vs Water Rights Specialist?

AspectWater AttorneyWater Rights Specialist
CredentialsLaw degree, bar license, specialized water law certificationsEnvironmental or water resource degree, certifications in water management
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, government agencies, courtsEnvironmental agencies, consulting firms, government offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, policy advising, litigationWater resource management, compliance, data analysis

Water Attorneys focus on legal aspects of water law, representing clients in disputes and advising on regulations. Water Rights Specialists concentrate on managing and analyzing water resources, ensuring compliance with laws. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the water industry.

What are some common challenges a water attorney faces when working with clients on water rights disputes?

A Water Attorney often navigates complex and sometimes ambiguous water laws, especially when dealing with overlapping state, federal, and local regulations. Clients may face disputes over water allocations, usage rights, or environmental compliance, requiring the attorney to conduct thorough historical research and coordinate with engineers or environmental consultants. Additionally, Water Attorneys must often balance the interests of multiple stakeholders—such as farmers, municipalities, and conservation groups—while advocating for their client. Effective negotiation and the ability to translate technical data into legal arguments are key to managing these challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Water Attorney jobs in Oregon? For Water Attorney jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Attorney jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Water Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Water Attorney jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Water Attorney job openings:
Water Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Attorney job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $114,356 per year, or $55 per hour.

Attorney

Texas State Library and Archives Commision

Portland, OR • On-site

$10K/mo

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Vendor fee-4%
About the job
Client is seeking an attorney to support its busy and growing energy regulatory practice. Applicants with prior experience in federal or state administrative/regulatory law, regulated industries, and/or judicial clerkships are encouraged to apply. This is a great opportunity for a motivated individual with a professional and academic record that exhibits excellent writing and research skills.
We are a team of around 10 lawyers who focus on regulatory, environmental, and business matters for electric, natural gas, and water utilities, energy companies, and telecommunications providers throughout the West. Our challenging and rewarding practice includes helping clients navigate the energy transition by, for example, siting transmission lines, planning for and implementing clean energy mandates, acquiring renewable generation and decarbonized fuels, and maintaining affordability.
The firm is a supportive and tight-knit community, and we are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We support our employees' community involvement and provide credit for pro bono work.
Currently, the firm is using a hybrid work model with attorneys spending at least three days each week working from our beautiful office in downtown Portland's West End. Portland offers an ideal combination of diverse culture and food in the city and easy access to natural areas and outdoor activities in the mountains, forest, and coast nearby. MRG provides reimbursement for moving expenses up to $10,000 for attorneys relocating to Portland.
Benefits include:
  • Competitive salary and yearly discretionary merit bonus
  • Medical/dental/vision coverage
  • 401K with employer match and profit sharing
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Paid parental leave (MRG supplements the paid leave available under Paid Leave Oregon with the amount of the supplement depending on years of service)
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Quarterly transportation stipend

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