Careers

Van Ness Feldman is a nationally respected law and government advocacy firm that is home to close to 150 attorneys, public policy professionals, land use planners, administrative managers, and support staff working from offices in Washington, DC, Seattle, the Bay Area, Houston, and Louisiana.

Central to our reputation as an industry leader and employer is investing in our people and preserving our unique culture which places emphasis on well-rounded individuals who are able to not only contribute in the workplace, but more importantly, who are able to serve their communities and participate with their friends and families with great care and good humor.

The work environment at the firm is challenging, rewarding, and we believe, different from our competitors. We value diverse viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds and are committed to attracting, mentoring, and retaining the best talent and supporting a culture in which all employees feel valued and empowered to grow professionally.

We are pleased that you are interested in a career at Van Ness Feldman. Please see below for more information about joining our team.

  • LATERAL ATTORNEYS

    Land Use Associate -- Seattle 

    Van Ness Feldman seeks an experienced land use associate to join our active Seattle practice. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of 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 that candidates 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 one of the region’s premiere land use practices, 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 applicable starting annual base salary based on 5+ years of experience in the range of $175,000 to $195,000.  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 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 slr@vnf.com

    The Firm operates in a hybrid work environment.

    Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The applicable starting annual base salary based on 5+ years of experience in the range of $175,000 to $195,000. In addition to base salary, total compensation includes bonuses for which associates are eligible when they meet or exceed the annual billable hour target.

    Experienced Electric Regulatory Associate – Washington, DC or Seattle, Washington

    Looking to Join a Premier Energy Law Practice While Maintaining Work/Life Balance?

    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 5+ years of electric regulatory experience and an aptitude for detailed work on energy regulatory and policy matters, particularly interpreting and applying the Federal Power Act to wholesale markets and bulk transmission system operations.

    In addition to join a premiere national and regional energy practice, 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 pro bono or business development 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.

    Desired skills and qualifications include:

    • Foundational knowledge of the Federal Power Act, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) and other federal energy laws;
    • Knowledge of, and experience with: (i) FERC cost-of-service ratemaking policies and practices; (ii) open access transmission service and interconnection matters; (iii) market-based rate authorizations; and (iv) market rules for wholesale energy, capacity and ancillary services;
    • Strong analytical research and writing skills;
    • Exceptional communication skills; and
    • Experience before state utility commissions or federal and state courts on energy regulatory matters 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 applicable starting annual base salary based on 5+ years of experience in the range of $175,000 to $195,000.  In addition to base salary, total compensation includes bonuses for which associates are eligible when they meet or exceed the annual billable hour target.

  • GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY OPPORTUNITIES
  • SUMMER ASSOCIATES

    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 firm is now recruiting for our 2025 2L summer associate class. We will visit select campuses for OCI but would love to hear from you earlier in the summer.  

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

  • ADMINISTRATIVE & PROFESSIONAL STAFF
  • 1L DIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP - DC OFFICE

    We have concluded our recruitment for the DC 1L Diversity Fellow 2024, please check back for information on our 2025 program later this year.

    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
       

    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 

  • 1L DIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP - SEATTLE OFFICE

    We have concluded our recruitment for the Seattle 1L Diversity Fellow 2024, please check back for information on our 2025 program later this year.

    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 8, 2024. 

    Please send materials via email to:

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

  • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY

    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.

  • TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE RULE PROVIDED BY CIGNA

    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.