Careers

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.

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

Director of Professional Talent Management

Seattle, WA; Washington, DC

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Professional Talent Management to lead the Firm’s efforts to attract, develop, and retain top-tier legal and policy professionals. This role is central to shaping a diverse, high-performing team and supporting the Firm’s strategic growth across all offices. The Director will oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and mentoring programs while collaborating closely with Practice Group Leaders and key administrative departments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Talent Acquisition & Hiring

• Lead full life-cycle recruitment for attorneys, policy professionals, and other timekeepers, including sourcing, screening, offers, and integration.
• Build relationships with law schools, professional networks, and search firms to maintain a strong pipeline of diverse talent.
• Reimagine the law school recruiting and Summer Associate Program with a focus on hands-on client experience, technology fluency, and professional growth.
• Oversee lateral hiring aligned with strategic needs and develop job descriptions and compensation strategies.
• Partner with Business Development & Marketing on employer branding and external communications.

Professional Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Firm leadership to design and implement training, development, and utilization programs.
• Lead the performance review process for timekeepers and support individualized development plans.
• Enhance onboarding, integration, and mentorship programs.
• Coordinate Firmwide training programs focused on legal skills, business development, client service, and digital fluency.

Cross-Functional Strategy & Collaboration

• Support workforce planning, pipeline development, retention strategies, and evolving pricing models linked to talent development.
• Monitor industry trends in AI, automation, hybrid work, and reskilling to inform Firm‑wide programming.
• Oversee inclusion initiatives and assist in managing pro bono activities in partnership with the Firm’s pro bono coordinator.
• Identify professional skill gaps, especially in business development, financial literacy, and technology adoption.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or JD preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in law firm recruitment or law school career services, including talent development and attorney lifecycle management.
• Strong communication, analytical, and judgment skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the Firm.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and executive presence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams/Zoom, and law firm systems such as Aderant, iManage, and HRIS platforms.
• This is primarily an in‑office role with periodic travel to the other Firm offices.

Salary range: $140,000 - $200,000 annually; salary will be commensurate with the candidate's prior and relevant experience and may fall outside the stated range based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, job-related considerations, internal equity, and market conditions.

Benefits package: includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), and a profit-sharing plan.

Apply for the Director of Talent Management position here.

Research Analyst - Librarian

Washington, DC

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re seeking an experienced Research Analyst – Librarian to provide high‑quality legal, legislative, regulatory, and business research in support of attorneys, legislative professionals, and business teams. This role is ideal for a researcher who excels in a digital‑first, AI‑augmented environment and enjoys translating complex information into clear, actionable insights.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct legal, legislative, regulatory, business, and policy research.
• Create, manage, and disseminate curated news briefings, legislative updates, and current awareness alerts tailored to practice areas and client needs in compliance with subscription/copyright constraints.
• Summarize findings into concise reports and deliverables.
• Use AI‑enabled research tools (Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law) while validating outputs.
• Provide onboarding and ongoing training to attorneys, law clerks, paralegals, legislative professionals, and staff on effective and responsible use of research tools.
• Maintain and update research-related content on the Firm’s intranet or knowledge platforms, including lists of available research tools and resources.
• Support evaluation and optimization of research platforms.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree is strongly preferred, such as an ALA-accredited MLIS/MLS, MPP/MPA, or related graduate degree. 
• 4–7 years of research experience in a law firm, government, policy organization, or professional services environment.
• Proficiency with electronic legal research platforms such as Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law, PACER, and related online legal research resources.
• Basic knowledge of generative AI and comfort with AI‑powered research features.
• Excellent writing, critical‑thinking, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple research requests in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a distributed, hybrid team.

Salary range: $80,000 - $120,000 annually; salary to be commensurate with candidate's prior and relevant experience and may fall outside the range based on other reasons and individual circumstances.

Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), and a profit-sharing plan.

Apply for the Research Analyst - Librarian position here.

Senior Billing Specialist

Seattle, WA; Washington, DC

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Sr. Billing Specialist serves as a strategic liaison between timekeepers, clients, and the Firm’s billing and accounting functions, providing end-to-end client account support for complex and high-value matters. This role partners closely with timekeepers to ensure accurate, timely, and client-compliant invoicing while supporting broader firm objectives related to pricing, budgeting, and revenue management.

In this role, the Sr. Billing Specialist applies advanced knowledge of legal billing, client guidelines, alternative fee arrangements, and e-billing platforms to proactively manage client accounts, resolve billing challenges, and improve financial outcomes. The position requires strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to translate billing data into actionable insights for timekeepers and firm leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with timekeepers to ensure complex billing arrangements, including multi-payer and delayed split billing, volume discounts, retainers, and alternative fee arrangements are followed prior to finalizing invoices.
• Review and analyze invoices to ensure compliance with Firm policies, client billing guidelines, and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation and distribution of monthly pre-bills, track timekeeper feedback, and ensure timely completion of revisions and invoice finalization.
• Monitor client accounts to proactively identify billing risks, exceptions, or delays, and partner with timekeepers on appropriate resolution strategies.
• Research and resolve billing issues related to unbilled time, aging balances, unapplied cash, and client inquiries, providing thoughtful recommendations to support timely resolution.
• Act as a trusted escalation point for complex billing issues, rejected invoices, or client-specific requirements.
• Identify and address issues related to billing setup, time entry, or rate configuration to prevent subsequent billing challenges.
• Generate and analyze Work in Progress (WIP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and On-Account reports for assigned timekeepers and matters.
• Facilitate the preparation and submission of matter budgets and as requested, provide variance analysis and financial insights to timekeepers.
• Process billing-related adjustments, including narrative corrections, time entry splits, write-ups, write-downs, transfers, in accordance with Firm policy.
• Maintain oversight of client invoicing and payment activity to support potential audit requests for audit appeals process.
• Identify opportunities to improve billing processes, documentation, and workflows to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction.
• Satisfactorily performs all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High school diploma or GED required, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of legal billing experience managing high volume billing portfolio in a fast-paced customer environment, customer service and business analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of Work in Progress (WIP), Accounts Receivable (AR), accruals, and billing lifecycle management.
• Experience preparing, reviewing, and finalizing invoices, including pre-bill review, revisions, and electronic invoice submission.
• Advanced attention to detail with the ability to identify billing risks, inconsistencies, or compliance issues before invoice submission.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience supporting and managing retainer-based agreements and complex billing arrangements, including alternative fee arrangements, multi-payor & split billing, and client-specific billing guidelines.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive financial and client information.
• Strong knowledge in Aderant Legal Billing accounting system. Proficient in billing applications such as eBilling, LEDES file formats or BillBlast; experience with iTimekeep preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Salary range: The anticipated salary range for this position is $65,000 to $105,000. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, job- related considerations, internal equity, and market conditions.

Benefits package: includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), and a profit-sharing plan.

Apply for the Senior Billing Specialist position here.

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.