Colorado Water Fellows Program
The Colorado Water Fellows Program, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, aims to support Denver Law students' efforts to pursue the practice of water law. It was developed to support students from communities historically underrepresented in the legal profession and those with less familiarity with the legal profession. A collaboration between the Sturm College of Law's Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, our water law curricular and extra-curricular offerings, and the Colorado Water Center’s own Colorado Water Fellows Program at Colorado State University, fellows receive mentorship from water law students and practitioners; and have multiple opportunities to learn, research, travel, and contribute their time and effort to novel water law and policy issues. Fellows receive a stipend for their participation in the program and are eligible to receive funding to conduct research with faculty, practitioners, or a community partner working in issues of water. The program abides by all requirements set by DU's Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX.
Fellows will meet monthly to:
- learn from water law practitioners;
- understand the interdisciplinary nature of the practice from water policy professionals (hydrologists, engineers, etc..);
- receive lectures and workshops from faculty and community experts to identify and convey their knowledge on the variety of issues and challenges of water law;
- have the opportunity to learn from diverse water law practitioners and water professionals about the barriers and opportunities in this area of law.
The 2025 application is now available.
The priority deadline is May 30, with a final deadline of June 27.
All Fall 2025 admitted students are eligible to apply.
The Colorado Water Fellows Program, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, taps into Colorado’s and the University of Denver’s legacy as visionary forward-thinking leaders in creating certainty, equity, and justice in the access, availability and adaptability of water rights. Along with DU’s internationally esteemed Water Law Review, Denver Law’s renowned water and natural resources faculty, and its vast water law alumni network, Colorado Water Fellows join an impactful community working to find new and innovative ways to meet the multiple and often conflicting demands of diverse peoples, places and practices that are deeply reliant on this most precious of natural resources.
Meet the 2024-2025 Fellows
How it Works
Fellows will develop individualized plans that will detail curricular and non-curricular course recommendations, clinical opportunities, participation on the Water Law Review, externships as well as internships, and attendance at two water law and policy conferences.
Each fellow will be paired with a peer or recent alumni mentor to help them navigate the unique pathways of learning and becoming part of the water bar.
Each fellow will also have an opportunity to develop their professional portfolio by conducting legal and related research as well as write legal briefs and memoranda in water law issues approved by the Director of the Water Law Program.
Learn More
The Colorado Water Fellows Program, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, is being launched through generous support from the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Learn more about the Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University.
