The Water Law Fellow Program at the University of Colorado Law School's Getches-Wilkinson Center (GWC) provides an intensive two-year immersion into the real-world challenges of water law and policy. The program employs two early career attorneys to address pressing water law reform issues under the guidance of the GWC in collaboration with leaders from the private, government, and non-profit sectors.
Program Overview and Objectives
Fellows engage in water law reform within the public interest, focusing on critical issues affecting western watersheds. The work spans multiple levels of governance, including federal, state, tribal, county, city, and international jurisdictions. Responsibilities may include developing proposed regulations or legislation, implementing policy, filing amicus briefs, and conducting research-oriented reform.
Professional Development and Responsibilities
To prepare for leadership in the field, Fellows are expected to participate in major hearings, conferences, and meetings. Their duties also involve publishing white papers, drafting media content on emerging issues, providing testimony at hearings, and making public addresses. The program aims to provide a unique educational and mentoring experience by allowing Fellows to draw on expertise from various university departments and nearby national laboratories.
Recent Fellow Spotlight
Recent and past participants of the fellowship include Daniel Anderson, who joined in August 2025. Anderson's work involves researching interests such as American Indian water rights, wildlife law, and instream flow rights. He previously gained experience working with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office for the City of Boulder.
List of Notable Alumni
Other notable former Fellows include Andrew Teegarden, who joined in July 2023; Frannie Monasterio, who began in November 2022; Chelsea Colwyn, who joined in October 2020; and Jaime Garcia, who started in August 2020.
