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, and Denver.

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

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

    Van Ness Feldman seeks an experienced associate to join our national electric practice representing investor-owned utilities, public power utilities, developers, and power marketers. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of electric regulatory experience, and an aptitude for detailed work on energy regulatory and policy matters, particularly the interpretation and application of the Federal Power Act to wholesale markets and bulk transmission system operations.

    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; and
    • Excellent communication skills.

    Experience before state utility commissions and/or before federal and state courts on energy regulatory matters also is beneficial.

    The firm currently operates in a hybrid work environment. A candidate may work from either our Washington, DC or Seattle, Washington office.

    Please click here to apply. 

    For additional questions regarding this position, please email recruiting@vnf.com.

    Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The applicable starting annual base salary for this position will be set based on years of experience in the range of $165,000 to $195,000. Additional compensation includes discretionary bonuses and profit-sharing 401(k) plans; a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and various voluntary insurance benefits; and employee wellness opportunities. We encourage professional development by providing mentoring, internal and external training, and support for engagement in professional associations and pro bono activities. 

  • GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY OPPORTUNITIES

    Senior Director, Governmental Issues

    Van Ness Feldman, LLP, a mid-sized Washington, DC-based law firm that specializes in energy, natural resources, environmental and transportation policy, is seeking an experienced public policy professional.   The successful candidate will support firm clients, including the firm’s advocacy coalitions, and will provide research, analysis and advocacy development before both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. The position will be based in the Washington, D.C. office.

    The Senior Director will work both independently and with colleagues. The successful candidate will be able to complete various work elements from conception to completion. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, interests and points of view; exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities; utilize effective methods for time management and prioritization of tasks; and possess the ability to identify and address urgent and important needs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

    The strength of our Firm’s success comes from the unique combination of our differences in substantive knowledge, perspective, professional, and civic backgrounds. We approach our work collaboratively, allowing us to formulate strategies that capitalize on this diversity. To this end, we are committed to fostering a positive and creative environment that attracts talented individuals with varied experiences.  Among our ongoing efforts, we strive to recruit and retain the highest caliber attorneys, public policy professionals, and staff that represent a broad array of backgrounds.

    Responsibilities

    Coalition Client Portfolio

    • Work with Executive Director or President of the coalitions to develop and support federal advocacy efforts, including development and implementation of policy and advocacy strategy. 
    • Analyze and draft summaries of relevant legislation, proposed rulemakings and other policy materials.
    • Support development and drafting of advocacy materials.
    • Develop and maintain relationships with Congressional staff on congressional committees of jurisdiction.
    • Lead work on federal appropriations and authorizing legislation, including drafting and submitting appropriations requests, drafting testimony, analyzing and reporting on Presidential Budget Request, House and Senate appropriations legislation, and enacted appropriations bills.
    • Support coalition management:
      • Represent coalition in speaking engagements at public meetings, conferences, etc.
      • Assist or lead in consensus building of coalition advocacy and policy positions
      • Assist with or lead organization and management of coalition events with coalition staff. Events include:
        • Congressional briefings coordinated with other groups
        • Annual Capitol Hill Day “fly in” with coalition member organizations
        • Annual workshops or other periodic meetings
        • Coalition membership and committee meetings, webinars and briefings


    Non-Coalition Client Portfolio

    • Serve as primary point of contact for clients on public policy issues.
    • Track and monitor key developments in the U.S. Congress, at the White House, and at federal agencies.
    • Create written analysis and develop strategy for clients based on legislative and executive activity.
    • Draft memoranda, white papers, legislation, and other policy documents.
    • Arrange and attend Congressional and agency meetings, including coordination and preparation of materials for those meetings.
    • Manage research and policy analysis projects with clearly stated goals and objectives, including timelines for implementation.
    • Work with members of the policy team to help manage client meetings, events, visits and D.C. client fly-ins.
    • Participate in firm client development initiatives and client service meetings and activities.


    Desired Qualifications and Skills

    • 3-5 years of public policy experience; Bachelor’s degree; work experience on Capitol Hill preferred.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of the role, duties, and function of the White House, the U.S. Congress, Congressional committees, Congressional procedure, the legislative and regulatory process and oversight of the federal government by Congress. 
    • Strong analytical and organizational skills.
    • Exemplary written and oral communication skills.
    • Proven client management skills.
    • Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team. 
    • Ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain confidentiality.

    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.

    Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), and profit-sharing plan.  Please provide your resume by clicking here.

    Director, Governmental Issues

    Van Ness Feldman, LLP, a mid-sized Washington, DC-based law firm that specializes in energy, natural resources, environmental and transportation policy, is seeking a Director, Governmental Issues to assist the firm’s various practice areas with research, analysis and advocacy pertaining to public policy in the Legislative and Executive Branch.  This includes, but is not limited to, tracking developments and engaging with both clients and federal policymakers in issue areas that include climate change, energy technologies, environment, natural resources, transportation, infrastructure and the federal budget.   The position will be based in the Washington, D.C. office.  

    The Director will work both independently and with colleagues. The successful candidate will be able to complete various work elements from conception to completion in a timely manner and follow direction that may be detailed or minimal. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, interests and points of view; exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities; utilize effective methods for time management and prioritization of tasks; and possess the ability to identify and address urgent and important needs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

    The strength of our Firm’s success comes from the unique combination of our differences in substantive knowledge, perspective, professional, and civic backgrounds. We approach our work collaboratively, allowing us to formulate strategies that capitalize on this diversity. To this end, we are committed to fostering a positive and creative environment that attracts talented individuals with varied experiences.  Among our ongoing efforts, we strive to recruit and retain the highest caliber attorneys, public policy professionals, and staff that represent a broad array of backgrounds.

    Responsibilities

    • Analyze and summarize legislation pertaining to key energy, environmental, natural resource, budget, appropriations and other client issues.
    • Prepare memoranda and reports on congressional hearings and mark-ups.
    • Work alongside colleagues to develop policy positions on topics relevant to energy, environmental, budget, appropriations and other client issues.
    • Draft reports, advocacy materials, Issue Alerts and client communications.
    • Coordinate with others to update tracking documents focused on legislation, regulatory action and other matters of significance to the practice.
    • Directly communicate, both written and orally, with firm clients and federal policymakers.
    • Assist the team to perform education and outreach to Congress, the Administration and key constituency groups to support policy and other goals, as necessary.
    • Coordinate with the team to support content creation, media engagement, social media planning, and other communications tasks for coalition advocacy clients.
    • Help plan and organize internal and external meetings, briefings, and other events that will include congressional briefings.
    • Build trust and strategic partnerships with key communities and external stakeholders important to client representations. Participate in various briefings on subject matter pertinent to issue areas noted above.
    • Attend political events as needed.


    Desired Qualifications and Skills

    • Bachelor’s Degree or relevant proven skills and experience.
    • Prior experience (3+ years) working on public policy. Experience on Capitol Hill a plus.
    • Knowledge of or prior experience with energy, natural resources, environmental and/or transportation issues is a plus.
    • Experience, professional or otherwise, coordinating coalitions, organizing events, and attending meetings or public events on behalf of an organization.
    • Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse individuals and institutions, including those with whom you may personally disagree.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • High attention to detail and ability to work independently.
    • Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
    • Excellent time and deadline management, project management and team relationship skills.
    • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
    • Interest in joining a collaborative team that supports professional development goals.

    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.

    Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), and profit-sharing plan.  Please provide your resume by clicking here.

    Coalition Administration Manager

    Van Ness Feldman, LLP, a mid-sized Washington, DC-based law firm that specializes in energy, natural resources, environmental and transportation policy, is seeking a motivated and energetic Coalition Administration Manager to support the Firm’s coalition clients within its government advocacy and public policy practice.  The Coalition Administration Manager will oversee day-to-day operational functions for several Firm advocacy coalition clients.  Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, climate change, energy technologies, environment, natural resources, transportation, and infrastructure. The position will be based in the Washington, D.C. office.  

    The strength of our Firm’s success comes from the unique combination of our differences in substantive knowledge, perspective, professional, and civic backgrounds. We approach our work collaboratively, allowing us to formulate strategies that capitalize on this diversity. To this end, we are committed to fostering a positive and creative environment that attracts talented individuals with varied experiences.  Among our ongoing efforts, we strive to recruit and retain the highest caliber attorneys, public policy professionals, and staff that represent a broad array of backgrounds.

    Responsibilities

    Management of Coalition Websites, Social Media, and Branding

    • Update coalition websites and social media accounts in collaboration with firm team responsible for content development and management.
    • Support periodic updates to coalition advocacy materials and branding, as necessary. 


    Management of Coalition Budgets, Banking, and Financial Information

    • Support development of annual budgets for Firm coalition clients.
    • Prepare and send coalition dues invoices to members on a monthly or annual basis.
    • Track dues collections and follow up with delinquent coalition members.
    • Work with Firm accounting team to maintain accurate financial statements.  
    • Provide regular updates to Firm personnel with primary responsibility over coalition financial information.


    Current and Prospective Coalition Member Support

    • Maintain current contact lists of coalition members, including leadership, committees, work groups, and task forces.
    • Support efforts of Firm personnel with responsibility for coalition membership recruitment activities through updating prospectus materials and other relevant documents to aid in coalition membership expansion.
    • Provide regular updates to Firm personnel with primary responsibility over coalition membership and recruitment activities.


    Compliance with Coalition Tax, Insurance, and Lobbying Matters

    • Oversee timely and accurate preparation of federal and state tax filings by external accounting firm in consultation with accounting department and coalition legal advisor.
    • Ensure timely and accurate preparation and filing of lobbying reports, per the requirements under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
    • Manage process for annual renewal of coalition insurance policies with external broker.
    • Coordinate with Firm personnel to ensure compliance with all federal and local reporting requirements and deadlines.
    • Provide regular updates to Firm personnel with primary responsibility over coalition compliance matters.


    Coalition Scheduling and Logistics 

    • Support and lead scheduling of coalition membership meetings, as requested.
    • Provide logistics support to coalition meetings, congressional fly-ins, and other coalition events.
    • Execute event planning activities for coalition clients.
    • Prepare communications for coalition members regarding upcoming events.
    • Provide regular updates to Firm personnel with primary responsibility over coalition meetings and events.


    Desired Qualifications and Skills

    • Preference for Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations,  Public Administration, Finance, or related field, and 1-3 years of work experience focused on project management, preferably with coalitions or trade associations.
    • Strong writing and communication skills.
    • Strong financial organizational skills.
    • Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
    • Ability to perform multiple tasks accurately and efficiently under time constraints.
    • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
    • Ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain confidentiality.
    • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
    • Interest in joining a collaborative, ambitious team that supports professional development goals.

    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.

    Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), and profit-sharing plan.  Please provide your resume by clicking here.

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

    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 9, 2023. 

    Please send materials via email to:

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

  • 1L DIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP - DC OFFICE

    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

    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
       

    Application Deadline: January 9, 2023.   

    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 DiNoua Avery at dnm@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.