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Water Attorney Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Defender of Wildlife

Senior Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Senior Attorney SALARY: $160,000 - $180,000 FLSA: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Biodiversity Law Center ... Clean Water Act, National Forest Management Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Freedom of ...

Pop-Up Talent

Lawyer

Washington, DC · On-site

$475/hr

Earth & Water Law, LLC, headquartered in Washington, DC, was launched in Jan. 2016 as an alternative to big firm law, offering its lawyers greater control over their clients and better work-life ...

Earthjustice

2027 Enforcement Clerkship

Washington, DC · On-site

$1.3K/wk

... and water. The Enforcement team serves as a resource for enforcement efforts across the ... We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. We welcome all interested law students from ...

Earthjustice

2027 Enforcement Clerkship

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$1.3K/wk

... and water. The Enforcement team serves as a resource for enforcement efforts across the ... We are herebecause the earth needs a good lawyer. We welcome all interested law students from ...

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All JobsWater Attorney JobsWater Attorney Jobs in Washington

Water Attorney information

See Washington salary details

$52.1K

$122.5K

$195.4K

How much do water attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for water attorney in Washington is $122,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $147,200.00 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Water Attorney jobs in Washington?

For Water Attorney jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Attorney jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Attorney jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Water Attorney jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Water Attorney job openings:

Water Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Attorney job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, 14% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,502 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Litigation Associate Attorney

Washington, DC • On-site

Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C.
Law Firms • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Founded in 1982, Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C. is a boutique employment litigation and government affairs law firm in Washington, D.C. We are seeking a talented Litigation Associate Attorney to join our premier federal employment practice group. We represent clients in a wide array of civil and administrative litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the workplace.
A unique employment defense practice representing both individuals and employers. With an emphasis on public employment, our individual clients come from across the Executive Branch, including executives, law enforcement, attorneys, and medical professionals. We assist public and private employers with difficult and high-profile personnel matters, litigation defense, and conducting workplace investigations. We litigate cases before federal district and appellate courts, including novel questions of statutory and constitutional interpretation, and before federal administrative agencies.
Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C. is a tight-knit group of attorneys and professionals in a niche practice area in public employment law. We seek self-motivated applicants who value teamwork, collaboration, and employee engagement. If you have 3-5 years of experience and are seeking an off-ramp from a major law firm or have grown dispirited working in the government, we have an expanding law practice seeking seasoned and ambitious legal talent.
This position reports directly to a Partner Attorney.
This is a full-time position located in downtown Washington, D.C. (Farragut North Metro-Red Line).
QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3-5 years at a law firm, DOJ, or similar experience.
  • Previous litigation experience is a must.
  • Prior experience conducting investigations is preferred.
  • Ability to develop and nurture client relationships.
  • An interest in government.
  • Business acumen.
  • Collegiality.
  • Work ethic.
  • DC Bar license or waive-in eligibility.
  • Judicial clerkship experience is a plus.
BENEFITS
A robust benefits package is provided to all full-time employees.
  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental & vision costs are covered for employees
  • 401K with 3% Safe Harbor
  • Commuter benefits
  • New office space with building amenities (gym with showers, secure bike room, rooftop-outdoor seating, lunch area, cold brew, and bubble water taps, etc.)
  • The office is located above the Metro entrance (Farragut North)

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