Careers

Experienced Electric Regulatory Associate

Van Ness Feldman seeks an experienced associate to join our national electric practice representing investor-owned utilities, public power utilities, developers, and power marketers in either our Seattle or Washington D.C. offices. The ideal candidate has 4+ years of electric regulatory experience (state or federal) and an aptitude for detailed work on electric regulatory and contract matters.

In addition to joining a premiere national and regional energy practice, candidates will be part of a team that is committed to accommodating a healthy work/life balance through a 1700 annual billable hour requirement (of which up to 100 hours can be qualifying pro bono or business development activities). The Firm rewards associates that exceed the target through generous bonuses. The Firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401k profit-sharing plan; and employee wellness opportunities. The culture at VNF relies on mutual respect, appreciation, and support for one another. A focus on professional development is central, including regular feedback and mentoring. VNF seeks individuals who share this approach and bring a collaborative mindset to what we consider a unique and rewarding Firm culture.

Desired skills and qualifications include:

• Strong analytical research and writing skills;
• Familiarity with the electric power industry;
• Exceptional communication skills;
• Experience Interpreting and applying statutes and regulations;
• Drafting and interpreting contracts;
• Experience before state utility commissions or federal and state courts on energy regulatory matters, including drafting pleadings, testimony or tariffs is a plus.

The Firm operates in a hybrid work environment. Please send confidential inquiries to slr@vnf.com

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The starting annual base salary based on 4 or more years of practice is $185,000-$205,000, depending on experience. In addition to base salary, total compensation includes bonuses for which associates are eligible when they meet or exceed the annual billable hour target.

Real Estate Associate

Van Ness Feldman is seeking an experienced real estate attorney to join our Seattle team. The ideal candidate has 4+ years of substantive experience in commercial, industrial, and residential development, including drafting and negotiating complex documents related to the acquisition and disposition of property, and financing / loan transactions. Candidate should have experience coordinating due diligence reviews (including title and survey) and closings.

We are looking for someone who is team-oriented with strong written and oral communication skills. The ideal candidate should display passion for working hard, take initiative in a fast-paced environment with motivated and collegial colleagues, and enjoy being part of a collaborative and diverse culture that supports our firm values.

Skills and Qualifications Include:

• Representing buyers, sellers, and developers in transactions involving all sizes and types of real estate transactions;
• Performing and coordinating due diligence in the acquisition and financing of real estate for investment, development, occupancy, sales, leasing, and collateralization;
• Representing clients in negotiating and closing on acquisition financing, construction financing, and permanent financing;
• Assisting and coordinating with clients in working with local city and state officials across the country with respect to compliance matters related to the development, redevelopment, and use of property.
• The ideal candidate will have outstanding academic credentials, a strong work ethic, a logical and analytical thought process, excellent organizational, drafting, writing and research skills, as well as the ability to establish strong client and peer relationships.

Candidates will be part of a team that is committed to accommodating a healthy work/life balance. With a 1700 annual billable hour requirement, (of which up to 100 hours can be qualifying nonbillable activities), attorneys are encouraged to work hard while cultivating their passions outside the office. The firm rewards associates that exceed the target through generous bonuses. The firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401k profit-sharing plan; and employee wellness opportunities. The culture at VNF relies on mutual respect, appreciation, and support for one another. A focus on professional development is central, including regular feedback and input on how our team can improve. VNF seeks individuals who share this approach and bring a collaborative mindset to what we consider a unique and rewarding firm culture. Please send cover letter and resume to slr@vnf.com

The Firm operates in a hybrid work environment.

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The starting annual base salary based on 4 or more years of practice is $185,000-$205,000, depending on experience. In addition to base salary, total compensation includes bonuses for which associates are eligible when they meet or exceed the annual billable hour target.

Van Ness Feldman’s Summer Associate Program is designed to provide law students with diverse opportunities to develop, challenge, and broaden their skills while contributing to the innovative services and counsel delivered to our clients. Summer Associates join Van Ness Feldman’s team of attorneys to provide nationally recognized legal counsel, thought leadership, and policy strategy to clients navigating the complex intersection between business and government.

The firm seeks accomplished, well-rounded, and motivated law students with a demonstrated interest in our core areas of practice. With professionals in Washington D.C., Seattle, the Bay Area, Houston, and Louisiana, we are renowned for providing strategic business advice, legislative and policy advocacy, legal and regulatory compliance counsel, representation in administrative proceedings and litigation, and support for project development, permitting, and transactions in the inter-related areas of energy, natural resources, environmental, real estate/land use, infrastructure, and government relations.

We foster an environment that is uniquely collaborative, rewarding and, we believe, truly different from our competitors. Our team is committed to the development and advancement of our summer associates through challenging assignments, training and mentoring programs, and networking opportunities to help students launch their career.

High academic credentials, journal/moot court experience, a growth mindset, and a great sense of humor required. We look forward to learning more about you and discussing how the Van Ness Feldman family of professionals can be part of your future.

The DC office is currently interviewing for the 2025 2L summer associate class and the Seattle office has concluded recruitment for the 2025 2L summer associate class.   To apply for the DC program, please send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample to recruiting@vnf.com.

For additional questions regarding our firm, the summer associate program, or our recruiting process, please email recruiting@vnf.com.  

Business Development & Marketing Coordinator

The DC office is seeking a Marketing & Business Development Coordinator who will work closely with the firm’s senior marketing and business development team to support attorneys and professionals across all areas of the firm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the overall implementation of business development strategies, including maintaining systems to track various initiatives.
• Assist with posting content on firm website and social media including bios, speaking engagements, publications, news items, events, client alerts, etc.
• Assist in the production of client-facing pitch materials, presentations, and responses to RFPs – including compiling, proofreading, editing, and formatting.
• Maintain accurate, updated marketing collateral including practice descriptions and templates.
• Maintain data in the Firm’s contact relationship management (CRM) system by reviewing and curating targeted mailing lists for various marketing publications, updating current contact information, conducting regular database audits, and executing other meaningful back-end data entry projects.
• Assist with planning, execution, and tracking of events, including seminars, conferences, sponsorships, and speaking engagements.
• Assist with the design and creation of graphics for social media, website, and print materials.
• Assist with award submissions for legal and business trade publications. Maintain publication editorial calendars.
• Manage firm promotional items.
• Assist with general online and database research.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, journalism, or related major.
• One to three years’ experience in a similar role in a law firm/professional services environment.
• Experience with CRM/database software (e.g., InterAction, etc.).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with timekeepers and staff.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and execute a diverse range of tasks with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative and adapt to change in deadline-driven scenarios while exercising sound judgment and making intelligent, informed decisions.
• Ability to handle ambiguity, weigh options, and find ways to move initiatives forward to meet critical deadlines.
• Meticulous data entry, writing and proofing skills, and a general facility for learning new software.
• Solid command of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Canva, and other graphics programs.
• Organized, thoughtful, dependable, and curious.

Salary Range: $60,000 to $70,000  

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), and profit-sharing plan.  APPLY AT THIS LINK

Practice Group Coordinator

The DC office is seeking a Practice Group Coordinator who will directly support Practice Group Leaders and other key Firm personnel in the management of each Practice Group for which you are responsible.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Practice Group Leader(s) to understand and help implement strategic initiatives and oversee the daily operations of the practice;
• Work with Practice Group Leader(s) and their teams to collect, manage, and present data on the performance of each Practice Group (other Administrative managers will assist in this effort);
• Coordinate with Practice Group Leaders and teams and the marketing/business development team to support Practice Group initiatives.
• Develop solid relationships with attorneys and staff and liase with Administrative managers/departments to communicate the needs/plans of the practice group; ensure Firm policies and procedures are communicated and followed;
• Coordinate the administrative aspects of secondments, CLE registration monitoring and assist with performance management processes;
• Work with the Practice Group Leaders to prepare the annual budget; work with Accounting on Group billing and collection and on special financial-related projects;
• Ensure that appropriate processes are followed for conflicts and risk management including data compilation;
• Coordinate with Professional Recruiting on the Practice Group’s partner and lateral candidate process including scheduling meetings, compiling and preparing related materials.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate and compile materials for Practice Group meetings.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate Group trainings, retreats, conferences, outings and meetings.
• Provide general administrative support for timekeepers as needed.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a professional services environment. Prior law firm experience a plus.
• Two plus years administrative experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, build credibility with lawyers, and work with various personalities at all levels; expert organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines; excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work independently and be proactive; ability to make judgement decisions, adapt to changing work situations, grasp and apply new ideas.
• Strong computer/software skills including thorough knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Graphics capability required.

Salary Range: $65,000 to $75,000

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), and profit-sharing plan.  APPLY AT THIS LINK

As part of Van Ness Feldman’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are proud to offer the Van Ness Feldman D.C. Diversity Fellowship to an outstanding first year law school student.  The Fellow will receive a paid 1L Summer Associate position in our D.C. office and a $10,000 scholarship to assist with law school tuition.  The Fellowship also includes the opportunity to continue as a VNF Diversity Fellow during the student’s 2L summer, which includes an additional $10,000 scholarship; and a possible offer for full-time employment with signing bonus post law school.

First year students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion are encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria:

The Fellowship is open to all first-year law students who have demonstrated:

• Diverse background and life experiences
• Academic excellence
• Leadership ability
• Commitment to their community
• Desire to promote diversity within the legal profession
   

Application materials needed include: 

• A personal statement addressing the ways in which you have and will foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal community, what these qualities mean to you, and why you are interested in Van Ness Feldman
• Your resume
• Your undergraduate and law school transcripts (if your law school grades are not yet available, please forward when available)
• Two to three professional references
• A legal writing sample that has not been edited by others

Applications must be received no later than Jan 10, 2025. 

At Van Ness Feldman, diversity and inclusion encompass a wide range of characteristics including age, race, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical ability, military service, religion and other groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession. The firm is committed to maintaining a work environment where the unique attributes, perspectives, backgrounds, skills, and abilities of each individual thrive and contribute to our collective success.

For more information, please contact Saira Rhodes at slr@vnf.com 

As part of Van Ness Feldman’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are proud to offer the Van Ness Feldman Seattle Diversity Fellowship to an outstanding first year law school student.  The Fellow will receive a paid 1L Summer Associate position in our Seattle office and a $10,000 scholarship to assist with law school tuition.  The Fellowship also includes the opportunity to continue as a VNF Diversity Fellow during the student’s 2L summer, which includes an additional $10,000 scholarship; and a possible offer for full-time employment with signing bonus post law school.

First year students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion are encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria:

The Fellowship is open to all first-year law students who have demonstrated:

• Diverse background and life experiences
• Academic excellence
• Leadership ability
• Commitment to their community
• Desire to promote diversity within the legal profession

Application Materials:

To apply, please submit the following:

• A personal statement addressing the ways in which you have and will foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal community, what these qualities mean to you, and why you are interested in Van Ness Feldman
• Your resume
• Your undergraduate and law school transcripts (if your law school grades are not yet available, please forward when available)
• Two to three professional references
• A legal writing sample that has not been edited by others

Applications must be received no later than Jan 10, 2025. 

Please send materials via email to:

Ms. Saira Rhodes
Van Ness Feldman LLP
1191 Second Ave., Suite 1800
Seattle, WA 98101
slr@vnf.com

Van Ness Feldman enthusiastically extends an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, military status, physical disability, or any similarly protected status. The firm has a policy of positive action to ensure the fulfillment of our commitment to a diverse and equitable workplace.

This link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.