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Water Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

This role involves advising clients in the electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications ... Attorneys work on matters related to the energy transition, such as transmission siting, clean ...

This role involves advising clients in the electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications ... Attorneys work on matters related to the energy transition, such as transmission siting, clean ...

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 ...

Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

About the job Attorney Pay: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year Why This Is a Great Opportunity ... Support matters involving electric, natural gas, water, and other regulated industry clients

Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

About the job Attorney Pay: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year Why This Is a Great Opportunity ... Support matters involving electric, natural gas, water, and other regulated industry clients

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 10, 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 cities in Oregon are hiring for Water Attorney jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Water Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Attorney job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,356 per year, or $55 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

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


Job description

Attorney (Energy Regulatory Practice)

The Attorney (Energy Regulatory Practice) supports a growing practice focused on regulatory, environmental, and business matters for utilities and energy companies. This role involves advising clients in the electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications sectors on complex regulatory issues, including navigating federal and state administrative law requirements. Attorneys work on matters related to the energy transition, such as transmission siting, clean energy mandates, renewable energy acquisition, decarbonization strategies, and maintaining affordability.

Candidates should have strong legal research and writing skills, along with a solid academic and professional background. Prior experience in administrative or regulatory law, regulated industries, or a judicial clerkship is preferred. The role requires the ability to manage complex legal matters, communicate effectively with clients, and contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

This position is based in Portland, Oregon, with a hybrid schedule requiring at least three days per week in-office. Relocation support of up to $10,000 is available for qualified candidates. The firm offers a competitive salary with discretionary bonuses, comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) with employer match and profit sharing, four weeks of paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and additional stipends for cell phone and transportation expenses.