GWC Water Law Fellow

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment (GWC) at the University of Colorado Law School is seeking an outstanding — early career — attorney to serve as the next GWC Water Law Fellow. The Fellow will work on the most pressing water law reform issues of the day under the guidance of the GWC and law school faculty and in partnership with leaders from the non-profit, government, and private sectors.

The overarching objective of the Water Law Fellows Program is to create a matchless educational and mentoring experience that will prepare the Fellows to become leaders in the field. The intensive program will immerse the Fellow in the real-world challenges of water law and policy. During the program, the Fellow will be actively engaged in water law reform in the public interest and will hone their leadership, communication, advocacy, and research skills.

The Fellow will work with GWC faculty and staff, and with partner organizations on a wide array of emerging issues. This work may be done at every level — federal, state, tribal, county, city, and international — and could include developing proposed legislation/regulations, policy implementation, and filing amicus briefs. Recent projects have focused on Tribal water rights in the Colorado River basin, proposals for reforms to Colorado water law, proposals for reform of the Wild and Scenic River Act, state development of dredge and fill programs following the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision, and access to EPA funding for water infrastructure programs.

The Fellow’s research agenda will be developed collaboratively with the support and supervision of GWC staff.

Fellows will be expected to draft at least one paper for publication in the first year and to assist with organizing conferences, workshops, public education events, and other GWC events. Fellows may also publish white papers and law reform recommendations; attend conferences on water-related topics; perhaps offer testimony at hearings and make public addresses; draft media content on emerging issues; and work on projects that develop in-depth expertise in water law.

Housed in the GWC at Colorado Law, the Fellow will have full access to the extraordinary resources and institutional support of the Law School. To encourage multi-disciplinary solutions, the Fellow will be able to draw on expertise in departments across the University and nearby national laboratories. Under the guidance of the GWC, the Fellow will work with experts in NGOs, government, and the private sector.

Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment advances the truly sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, with a focus on the American West, by:

• Influencing natural resources law and policy, including issues of water, land, climate change, and the rights of Tribes and Indigenous Peoples; and
• Educating, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of committed lawyers and advocates devoted to justice and equity.

Major programs and initiatives focus on natural resources, water and public lands issues in Colorado and the West; Tribal communities and environmental justice; climate change law and policy; and electricity regulation and energy policy. The name comes from the contributions of two iconic figures in the law school’s environmental law history, David Getches and Charles Wilkinson.

Learn more about Colorado Law

Terms, Salary, and Benefits
Fellowship terms
Start Date: The start date is flexible, with the Fellow able to begin anytime between March 1, 2025, and September 1, 2025.
Duration: This is a one-year appointment, with the option to extend for a second year upon mutual agreement between GWC and the Fellow.
Salary: $70,000 per year.
Additional Support: Includes a budget for travel and training.Location: The position is based in Boulder, Colorado. The Fellow will be expected to maintain a regular presence at the GWC offices at the University of Colorado Law School, with some remote work allowed.

Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical and dental healthcare coverage, and an ECO (transit) Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment.

Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

What we require

• J. D.
• One year of relevant professional experience after graduation from law school or a demonstrated commitment to water-related issues during law school. Applicants completing a judicial clerkship are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent research and writing skills.

What we would like you to have

• Strong academic record.
• Demonstrated experience or background in water law or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental research.
• Commitment to serving diverse and underrepresented communities.
• Proven track record of working well as a team member.