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Water Rights Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Attorney- 3622716

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$160K - $215K/yr

Water Law Essential Duties and Responsibilities Legal Research and Analysis * Research and analyze ... Advise clients regarding legal rights, obligations, governance issues, business transactions ...

... water, and telecommunications law, among many other practice areas. We have been consistently ... Counsel administrators and staff on student discipline, due process rights, accommodations ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Rights Attorney information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do water rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for water rights attorney in California is $106,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workweek look like for a water rights attorney?

A typical workweek for a Water Rights Attorney often involves a mix of activities such as reviewing legal documents, conducting research on water law and environmental regulations, drafting legal opinions or contracts, and representing clients in administrative hearings or court. Attorneys may also interact frequently with governmental agencies, engineers, and water resource specialists to gather technical data and coordinate compliance strategies. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including other attorneys, paralegals, and technical experts—is common, as many cases involve complex scientific and regulatory issues. Depending on the employer, the role may also include community outreach or policy advisory responsibilities, offering a dynamic and intellectually challenging work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water rights attorney?

To thrive as a Water Rights Attorney, you need expertise in water law, environmental regulations, legal research, and strong analytical abilities, typically supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) and bar admission. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and knowledge of regulatory agency procedures are often required. Exceptional negotiation, client communication, and advocacy skills help set candidates apart in this competitive field. These competencies are vital to effectively navigating complex water rights disputes, advising clients, and ensuring compliance with evolving water laws.

What is a water rights attorney?

A Water Rights Attorney specializes in legal issues related to water use, allocation, and disputes. They help clients secure, protect, and transfer water rights while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Their work may involve litigation, negotiations, environmental concerns, and advising on water-related contracts. They often represent municipalities, agricultural interests, businesses, and private landowners.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Rights Attorney jobs in California? The most popular types of Water Rights Attorney jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Rights Attorney jobs in California? For Water Rights Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Rights Attorney jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Water Rights Attorney jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Water Rights Attorney jobs? Cities in California with the most Water Rights Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Rights Attorney job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Associate Attorney - Water Law - 7-10 Years

Cybercoders

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$240K - $305K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Associate Attorney - Water Law - 7-10 Years

Associate Attorney - Water Law

Locations: San Francisco or Los Angeles, CA
 
A well-established law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney with 7-10 years of Water Law and/or Environmental Law experience to join its Water Practice Group. This position offers the opportunity to represent public and private sector clients in complex water resources, environmental, regulatory, and litigation matters.
 
The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, a demonstrated ability to manage sophisticated matters, and experience handling all phases of litigation in state and federal courts. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking significant responsibility, client engagement, and long-term growth within a collaborative team environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Represent clients in water law, environmental law, and related regulatory matters
  • Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents in state and federal court
  • Manage all phases of discovery, including written discovery, depositions, and motion practice
  • Conduct legal research and develop case strategies for complex litigation matters
  • Advise clients on water rights, environmental compliance, regulatory requirements, and related legal issues
  • Collaborate with attorneys and clients on multiple high-priority matters and case management responsibilities

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • Active membership in the California State Bar
  • 7-10 years of experience in water law, environmental law, or related litigation
  • Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
  • Significant experience drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive legal filings
  • Experience taking and defending depositions and arguing motions
  • Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive matters independently and collaboratively
  • Experience with water rights, environmental compliance, administrative proceedings, regulatory matters, natural resources, public agency law, CEQA, NEPA, or related environmental and water law matters is preferred
  • Strong project management skills and ability to take ownership of significant matters

Benefits

Competitive Compensation Package

  • Base Salary: $240,000 - $305,000, depending on experience and qualifications
  • Eligible for annual bonus opportunities
  • Associates who meet the annual billable expectation may earn a bonus equal to 15% of base salary

Benefits

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Bar Dues and CLE Reimbursement
  • In-House Mentorship Program

Billable Hours Expectation

  • 1,850 annual billable hours, including up to 100 hours of approved pro bono work
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a respected water and environmental law practice, working on complex and impactful matters while collaborating with experienced attorneys in a collegial, hybrid work environment.
- For this position, you must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa. CyberCoders will consider for Employment in the City of Los Angeles qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (Ban the Box) Ordinance.This job was first posted by CyberCoders on 07/30/2026 and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or closed.Everforth CyberCoders is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, status as a crime victim, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications, and a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. A human recruiter reviews all results. Click here for details on our virtual recruiter .  Everforth CyberCoders will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local law, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Everforth CyberCoders is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment can contact a member of our Human Resources team at Benefits@CyberCoders.com to make arrangements.

Salary

$240000 - $305000 USD per year

CyberCoders logo

About CyberCoders

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CyberCoders is a cutting-edge recruiting firm headquartered in Irvine, CA, US. The company operates within the technology industry, specializing in connecting talented professionals with suitable positions across a variety of sectors. Offering a broad spectrum of services, CyberCoders uses innovative, data-driven strategies and a proprietary matching technology to pair candidates with suitable job openings. Since its inception in 1999, CyberCoders has distinguished itself as an industry trailblazer. The company's mission is to deliver effective talent solutions, thus enabling both businesses and workers to achieve their goals.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1999

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