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Water Attorney Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Shawbransford

Litigation Associate Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We are seeking a talentedLitigation Associate Attorney to join our premier federal employment ... water taps, etc.) * The office is located above the Metro entrance (Farragut North) #J-18808-Ljbffr

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 24, 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.

Energy & Infrastructure Infrastructure Associate Attorney

Washington, DC

Direct Counsel
See more jobs at Direct Counselexternal

$260K - $435K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Energy & Infrastructure – Infrastructure Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking an Energy & Infrastructure – Infrastructure Associate Attorney to join a prestigious Am Law firm in Houston, New York City, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with 3-9+ years of infrastructure and project development experience to join a nationally recognized Energy & Infrastructure practice. The team advises sponsors, developers, investors, lenders, and other private sector participants on complex infrastructure projects, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), concessions, and project financings across a broad range of asset classes.

Responsibilities

  • Represent clients in public-private partnership (PPP) and concession transactions.

  • Advise sponsors, lenders, investors, and other private sector participants on infrastructure project development and financing.

  • Structure and negotiate project finance transactions and related project agreements.

  • Counsel clients on infrastructure acquisitions, drop-down transactions, and concession arrangements.

  • Draft and negotiate project agreements, financing documents, and transaction-related contracts.

  • Advise on the development and financing of greenfield infrastructure projects.

  • Represent clients in matters involving toll roads, airports, bridges and tunnels, vertical infrastructure, water and wastewater projects, digital infrastructure, energy transition projects, and data centers.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams while providing strategic, business-focused legal advice on sophisticated infrastructure transactions.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • Active membership in the state bar of the office where the attorney will be located.

  • 3-9+ years of infrastructure, project finance, or project development experience.

  • Significant experience representing equity sponsors, financing parties, or other private sector participants in PPPtransactions.

  • Experience with concessions, project financing, and drop-down transactions.

  • Greenfield infrastructure project experience is strongly preferred.

  • Experience with core infrastructure assets such as transportation, water, digital infrastructure, energy transition, or data center projects.

  • Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

  • Excellent academic credentials.

  • Highly motivated with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $260,000-$435,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

  • Comprehensive benefits package, including:

    • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

    • Mental health and wellness programs

    • Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits

    • Short- and long-term disability coverage

    • Industry-leading parental leave

    • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

    • 401(k) retirement plan

    • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidays

    • Annual discretionary performance bonus eligibility