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Water Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

$140K - $185K/yr

About the Role Our client is seeking an attorney to join its expanding energy regulatory practice ... gas, water, and telecommunications industries across the western United States. The practice ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Florida's water resources, including the quality of Florida's water rivers, lakes, estuaries as ... The attorney would also have the opportunity to litigate cases involving the protection and ...

Florida's water resources, including the quality of Florida's water rivers, lakes, estuaries as ... The attorney would also have the opportunity to litigate cases involving the protection and ...

SENIOR ATTORNEY

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Florida's water resources, including the quality of Florida's water rivers, lakes, estuaries as ... The attorney would also have the opportunity to litigate cases involving the protection and ...

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Water Attorney information

See salary details

$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do water attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 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:

Deputy City Attorney II/III

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$131K - $249K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary : $131,669.28 - $249,328.08 Annually
Location : Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-3416
Branch: Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
Division: Employee Relations
Opening Date: 04/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: IUOE Local 501 - MOU 31
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 Water & Power Division acts as counsel to the Department of Water & Power (DWP), its officers, employees, and the Board of Water & Power Commissioners.
Duties and Responsibilities
The attorney's primary duties will include advising and representing DWP on labor and employment law matters, including: 1) representing DWP in all phases of labor and employment litigation, including trials in state and federal court; 2) providing advice on state and federal labor and employment law matters, including statutes and regulations governing employee relations, discrimination, civil rights and related matters; 3) representing DWP in administrative matters and hearings; and 4) other related duties, as assigned.
Requirements
Must be licensed to practice law in all of the courts in the State of California.
Desired Qualifications
  • Significant experience in handling labor and employment law matters, including all aspects of civil litigation, including but not limited to conducting discovery, handling discovery disputes, preparing and arguing dispositive motions, and preparing pre-trial motions and documents;
  • At least five years of experience practicing labor and employment law;
  • Strong analytical and reasoning abilities;
  • Outstanding research and writing skills;
  • Demonstrated high level verbal, communication, and advocacy skills;
  • Ability to work as a team with other members of the practice group;
  • Ability to work effectively and professionally with public officials, department personnel, and members of the public; and
  • Ability to work independently.

Requirements for Application
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Writing Sample personally authored in the last two years.

Supplemental Information
Telework
This position may qualify for up to 3 days of telework per week.
Current Location:
The DWP Division is located at 221 N. Figueroa St., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA. Position is subject to assignment at any location within the City of Los Angeles.
Probation:
Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a two (2) year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the two (2) 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.
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.
01
Do you have an active license to practice law in the state of California?
  • Yes
  • No

02
California State Bar number:
Required Question