Law may be a very general term, but it has many nuances, and its many different areas can make choosing your career seem overwhelming. Environmental law is one area gaining notice and visibility, especially considering the growing concerns over climate change. As for nuance within environmental law, water law in particular offers a variety of exciting career options.
Careers Opportunities
To break into a career in water law, start by earning an advanced degree at McGeorge School of Law. After focusing on your education in one of our specialized degree programs, you’ll gain an advantage toward your professional goals. McGeorge offers a Master of Science in Law (MSL) degree for those who want to work in the legal field and enact change, but do not want to become attorneys.
Professionals with training in water law work in a wide range of roles across government, nonprofit organizations, and related policy and technical fields. Regardless of the role, water management is increasingly complex as communities confront drought, aging infrastructure, competing demands, and environmental protection requirements. As a result, professionals who understand the legal and regulatory framework governing water are in high demand.
Government
Many water law professionals build careers in federal, state, and local government agencies responsible for managing water resources. Common roles include:
Policy and regulatory analysis
Government agencies rely on analysts to research policy options, evaluate proposed regulations, and implement statutory programs related to water allocation, water quality, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
Legislative staff and policy advisors
Legislative offices employ policy advisors and committee staff who help draft legislation, evaluate stakeholder proposals, and advise elected officials on natural resource and environmental policy.
Water agency administration
Cities, special districts, public utilities, and mutual water companies operate public and private water systems for drinking water, irrigation, and fish and wildlife benefits. These agencies employ professionals who manage regulatory compliance, water supply planning, and long-term resource management.
Nonprofit
Nonprofit organizations play an important role in shaping water policy and protecting water resources. Environmental and water-focused nonprofits commonly:
- Conduct policy research and publish reports on water management issues
- Participate in regulatory proceedings and public comment processes
- Advocate for legislative or regulatory reforms
- Support watershed restoration and environmental protection efforts
- Educate communities about water conservation and sustainable management
These organizations often work closely with government agencies, scientists, and local communities to address complex water challenges.
Other Careers
Engineering: Water resources and environmental engineers design and manage infrastructure such as reservoirs, treatment plants, and flood control systems. Their work often intersects with regulatory requirements governing water quality and supply.
Journalism: Journalists who specialize in environmental and water issues help explain complex legal and policy developments to the public, increasing transparency and public understanding of water management decisions.
Land use planning: Land use planners integrate water availability, infrastructure, and environmental considerations into development planning, helping shape communities in ways that are consistent with long-term resource sustainability.
Get Started Today at McGeorge
A specialized degree such as a Master of Science in Law can help professionals develop the legal and regulatory knowledge needed to work effectively in water-related fields.
Students in an MSL program gain practical exposure to topics such as water rights and allocation systems, environmental regulation, administrative law and regulatory processes, and water policy and governance
McGeorge School of Law’s program is informed by California’s leading role in water law and policy. Students learn from faculty and practitioners actively engaged in the field and benefit from a curriculum focused on real-world regulatory and policy challenges. The online MSL program allows students to pursue advanced legal training while continuing to work or meet other professional obligations. Students receive access to the same academic resources, faculty expertise, and professional network available to in-person students.
If you are interested in developing expertise in water law and policy, you can learn more about McGeorge’s MSL program by contacting our admissions office or visiting our program website.