Getches-Wilkinson Center Water Law Fellow

Trellis Group; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 64,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel support

Mentorship by faculty

Job summary

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (GWC) at the University of Colorado Law School invites applications for the next GWC Water Law Fellow – an early-career attorney eager to make a difference in the field of water law and policy. The Water Law Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work on today’s most pressing water law reform challenges.

Fellows are mentored by leading faculty and practitioners and partner with decision-makers from the

Qualifications

• J.D. required.
• At least one year of relevant professional experience or demonstrated commitment to water issues.
• Excellent research and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft at least one paper for publication in year one.
• Assist with organizing conferences, workshops, and events.
• Collaborate with NGOs, government, and private sector partners.
• Contribute to white papers and communications on water topics.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Education

J.D.

Job description

Program Overview

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (GWC) at the University of Colorado Law School invites applications for the next GWC Water Law Fellow – an early-career attorney eager to make a difference in the field of water law and policy.

The Water Law Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work on today’s most pressing water law reform challenges. Fellows are mentored by leading faculty and practitioners and partner with decision-makers from the nonprofit, government, and private sectors.

Water Law Fellows will be expected to draft at least one paper for publications in the first year and to assist with organizing conferences, workshops, public education events, and other GWC events. Fellows may also publish white papers on current topics, attend conferences on water-related topics, draft blog posts and other communications on emerging issues, and work on other projects that develop in-depth expertise in water law.

Key benefits include:

• Personalized research agenda and drafting original scholarship for publication supported by GWC staff and Colorado Law Faculty, focused on real-world water law challenges in the American West, including Colorado River management, interstate water governance, groundwater management, and Tribal water rights.
• Mentorship from faculty, GWC staff, and practicing attorneys – opportunities to work alongside GWC’s Executive and Assistant Directors, the Director of GWC’s Western Water Policy Program, and access to GWC’s network of leaders on the Advisory Council.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leaders in NGOs, government agencies, Tribes, and private practice.
• The freedom to explore creative, multidisciplinary solutions to water challenges in the West.
• Travel support to represent GWC at professional gatherings, conferences and networking events.
• Organization and participation in workshops, public events and conferences at Colorado Law.

Terms, Salary, and Benefits:

• Start date: Flexible between January 1 and September 1, 2026.
• Duration: One year, with the option to extend for a second year.
• Salary: $75,000/year, plus travel and training support.
• Location: Boulder, CO
• Benefits: Excellent medical, dental, and transit benefits (ECO Pass) through the University of Colorado Boulder

What we require:

• J.D.
• At least one year of relevant professional experience or a demonstrated commitment to water issues during law school (judicial clerks encouraged to apply).
• Excellent research and writing skills.

What we would like you to have:

• Strong academic record.
• Background in water or natural resources law.
• Experience in environmental research.
• Commitment to equity and service to underrepresented communities.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach.

The Water Law Fellowship is open to individuals regardless of race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender. We encourage individuals from groups historically underrepresented in environmental conservation to apply.