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.

Land Use/Municipal Attorney(s)

The Seattle office seeks an experienced attorney to join our nationally-ranked, preeminent land use practice in Seattle. We are seeking a mid-level attorney with 4+ years’ experience in land use, municipal, or aligned practice areas. We are also interested in Of Counsel or Lateral Partner candidates.

The ideal candidate has experience in the interpretation, compliance, and defense of actions under Washington State's planning and land use statutes including the Growth Management Act (GMA), Planning Enabling Act, Local Project Review Statute (ch. 36.70B RCW), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA), as well as other state regulations governing development, and accompanying environmental review pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). We prefer the candidate have strong experience representing clients in local and state administrative proceedings, including before Hearing Examiners, City and County Councils, the Shorelines Hearings Board, Pollution Control Hearings Board, Growth Management Hearings Board and in related judicial appeals, including appeals pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act and the Land Use Petition Act.

In addition to joining our national and regional land use team, the candidate will be part of a Firm that is committed to accommodating a healthy work/life balance. With a 1,700 annual billable hour requirement, (of which up to 100 hours can be qualifying pro bono or business development activities), attorneys are encouraged to work hard while cultivating their passions outside the office. The Firm rewards associates who exceed the target with a generous bonus. 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 of one another. A focus on professional development is central, which includes regular feedback and training opportunities to enhance professional growth. VNF seeks individuals who share this approach and bring a collaborative mindset to our unique and rewarding Firm culture.

Confidential inquiries can be sent to recruiting@vnf.com or apply here

The Firm provides a hybrid work environment.

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The estimated salary range for a 4+ year associate is $185,000 to $205,000. In addition to base salary, total compensation includes a generous bonus when the annual billable hour target is exceeded. For Of Counsel and Partner candidates, compensation is based on a range of factors DOE.

Real Estate Associate

Van Ness Feldman is seeking an experienced real estate attorney to join our Seattle team. The ideal candidate has 5+ 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 recruiting@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.

Recruitment for our 2026 Summer Associate class is underway. Please send a cover letter indicating which office you're interested in, resume, and unofficial transcript to recruiting@vnf.com.    

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

Litigation Assistant

Van Ness Feldman is a nationally recognized law firm focused on energy, environmental, and natural resources law and policy. With offices in Washington DC, Seattle, the Bay Area, Houston, and Louisiana, the firm has nearly 50 years’ experience 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.

The DC office is seeking a Litigation Assistant who will provide administrative support for attorneys and paralegals in our litigation group. This role includes case and calendar management, legal document preparation, discovery coordination, trial preparation, and client communication. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities while collaborating effectively with legal professionals, clients, and third parties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative and Calendar Support

• Manage calendars for attorneys, including meetings, court dates, deadlines, and travel.
• Coordinate internal and external appointments with clients, witnesses, opposing counsel, and co-counsel.
• Schedule and set up virtual meetings, conference calls, and hearings.
• Arrange logistics for meetings, interviews, depositions, and trials, including travel, accommodations, working space, supplies, and other support required by attorneys.

Litigation and Case Management

• Assist with case and document management using systems such as iManage, Disco, EverLaw, Nuix, Espy, and/or other document repository software.
• Maintain up-to-date electronic and hard-copy case files and repositories; ensure accurate status tracking.
• Monitor and communicate upcoming litigation deadlines.
• Create and maintain Excel spreadsheets tracking key litigation processes such as case tasks, depositions, and document productions.

Legal Document Preparation

• Proofread, format, and finalize legal communications and court filings, ensuring accuracy and compliance with deadlines.
• Develop and maintain templates for common legal filings to streamline document preparation.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and formatting legal documents including pleadings, motions, and briefs in accordance with applicable court rules and formatting standards.
• Prepare organized binders and document sets for use in meetings, depositions, hearings, and trials.

Investigations, Discovery and Trial Preparation

• Provide on-site support to legal teams during hearings, depositions, and trials, including travel as needed.
• Conduct factual research and summarize findings as directed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant court rules and procedures to ensure compliance across all assigned cases.

Client Communication and Administrative Tasks

• Manage and route mail, handle document deliveries, and support invoice processing and reconciliation.
• Enter attorney time and manage billing codes; assist with expense reporting and credit card reconciliations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Prior professional experience in a legal or administrative support role is a plus.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn litigation support software.

Salary Range: $60,000 to $65,000

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)/profit-sharing plan.

APPLY AT THIS LINK

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.

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