Associate Attorney in Water Law and Real Property

Schroeder Law Offices, PC (SLO) is a boutique western regional law firm and a trusted leader in water rights and real property since 1991. With offices in Portland, Oregon and Reno, Nevada and satellites in Idaho, Washington, and Utah, SLO provides comprehensive water rights and real property legal services. Our transactional expertise includes farm and ranch due diligence, contract negotiation and preparation, state and federal permitting. We also litigate in state and federal courts and administrative forums to support our diverse clientele including domestic and agricultural users, cities, counties, irrigation districts, and water management organizations, as well as individual farmers and ranchers.

We are seeking an Oregon-licensed attorney with two years of experience to join our Portland office. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop a full-service practice in a highly specialized field while learning from domain experts. SLO provides clear advancement potential, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on impactful legal matters affecting small communities and agricultural producers of food and fiber across the western United States.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients with the opportunity for direct interaction with clients under the supervision of a shareholder or partner
• Monitor and manage diverse client tasks to ensure timely and accurate completion
• Develop transactional water rights solutions with thorough legal analysis and execution
• Litigate in administrative, state, and federal forums, including matters of first impression, from initiation through post-trial and appeals
• Delegate tasks effectively to support staff and maintain consistent communication on client matters
• Bill required hours daily, providing complete and accurate time narratives
• Bill a minimum of 1600 billable hours annually
• Travel to remote and rural areas as necessary or desired for client development and representation

Qualifications

• Active bar membership in Oregon. Admission in another jurisdictions is a plus
• Demonstrated interest in state law related to water use and natural resources, real property transactions, municipal law, state agency regulation, administrative and civil litigation
• Minimum of two years legal experience, preferably in real property, land use, natural resources law, or related fields
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and responsibilities with professionalism
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to travel and engage with clients in rural and agricultural communities
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to professional growth
• This is a 100% on-site position
• Remote opportunities available for applicants who reside in rural Oregon, have actively engaged in farming or ranching enterprises for five years, with good internet, excellent virtual communication skills and demonstrated excellent and timely deliverable work product.
• Base salary depends on experience, with strong receipt-based bonus structure

Benefits Include

• Simplified Retirement Plan (SEP) available with 3% Employer matching
• Health insurance for Employee
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Moving expenses

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant qualifications
• Resume
• Legal Writing Sample
• List of three references: two legal and one personal

Email application materials to SLO Office Manager, Heather Allen at h.allen@water-law.com.