1

Water Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Public Utility Commission regulates the state's electric, telecommunication, and water and ... Attorney I Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or Juris Doctor (JD) degree ...

Be Seen First

Litigation Attorney

San Diego, CA · Remote

$110K - $165K/yr

Our attorneys offer proven expertise in civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, estate and tax planning, land use, insurance law, corporate law, employment law, public entity, water law ...

Be Seen First

Litigation Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Our attorneys offer proven expertise in civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, estate and tax planning, land use, insurance law, corporate law, employment law, public entity, water law ...

Litigation Attorney

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Our attorneys offer proven expertise in civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, estate and tax planning, land use, insurance law, corporate law, employment law, public entity, water law ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42000370

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, which develops and implements agricultural best management practices in support of water ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42000370

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, which develops and implements agricultural best management practices in support of water ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42000370

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, which develops and implements agricultural best management practices in support of water ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42000370

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, which develops and implements agricultural best management practices in support of water ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42000370

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, which develops and implements agricultural best management practices in support of water ...

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 ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42000370

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, which develops and implements agricultural best management practices in support of water ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42000370

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, which develops and implements agricultural best management practices in support of water ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Attorney information

See salary details

$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do water attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for water attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water attorneys and what do they do?

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.
More about Water Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Water Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Water Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Attorney jobs include:

$131K - $249K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Us The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is one of the nation's largest municipal law offices. With over 1,000 legal professionals, including 500 attorneys, the Office provides the City of Los Angeles ("City") with the highest caliber of legal services, ranging from prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and playing a leading role in criminal justice reform to advising on homelessness initiatives, defending civil lawsuits and claims, and bringing civil enforcement actions in the name of the People of the State of California. Guided by an overarching commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency, we find great meaning in the work we do and the services we provide.

We seek collaborative team players who understand that fulfilling our mission is key to making a positive impact. Description The Los Angeles Water and Power (LADWP) Division acts as General Counsel to the Board of Water & Power Commissioners, its officers, and employees. Division attorneys are responsible for legal representation, counsel and advice, and handling litigation related to LADWP operations.

As a municipally owned utility, LADWP exists by and for its customer-owners. The attorneys in the Procurement, Construction & Real Estate Division help LADWP provide reliable, cost-effective water and electricity to over four million customers. With an annual operating budget exceeding $6 billion, LADWP strives to provide the quality customer-focused service of its Fortune 500 counterparts, but with the core values of transparency, fiscal responsibility and accountability of a government agency.

The Procurement, Construction and Real Estate Group represents LADWP in transactional and litigation matters related to public contracting, procurement, construction and real estate. The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney has an immediate opening for an experienced attorney in the Procurement, Construction & Real Estate Division. The primary role of this attorney is the drafting and reviewing of contracts, including bid/proposal packages.

Duties and Responsibilities The attorney will provide expertise and advice on all aspects of public contracting, procurement, and competitive bidding for LADWP, including reviewing, editing, drafting, and negotiating procurement contracts and professional services agreements, as well as bid solicitations, requests for proposals and requests for qualifications. The attorney will also prepare advisory opinions or legal memoranda on procurement and contracting issues, litigate or assist in the litigation of cases or writ proceedings involving contract and procurement disputes, advise on project management issues, including contract administration and interpretation during negotiations and performance, draft ordinances relating to procurement and contracting requirements, and advise on enhancing the overall efficiency of the procurement and contracting process. Requirements Licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California.

At least five years of relevant legal experience, including negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts. Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to draft clear, concise pleadings and motions and argue persuasively before courts, administrative hearing boards, and other tribunals. Ability to deal effectively with public officials, departmental personnel, and members of the public. Desired Qualifications The following qualifications are desirable: Experience with civil litigation.

Ability to deal effectively with public officials, departmental personnel, and members of the public. Requirements for Application Cover letter Resume Candidates must provide two writing samples within the last year. Supplemental Information Current Location 221 N.

Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the County of Los Angeles. Probation Appointment to this exempt position (non-Civil-Service) will be subject to a two-year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter.

Successful completion of the two-year probationary period will result in tenure with the office. Classification Internal applicants: Placement in this position will be as a lateral transfer with the selected candidate assuming the position in their current classification. Application and Deadline Interested candidates should go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityattorney/ to apply online

Qualified applicants will be invited to interview. Position will remain open until filled. Conflict of Interest This position is designated as Category 1 on the Conflict-of-Interest Code.

Contact Questions. Please email atty.recruit@lacity.org. AS A COVERED ENTITY UNDER TITLE Il OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY AND, UPON REQUEST, WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO ITS PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES

TO REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CALL THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION AT (213) 978-7160.