Van Ness Feldman is pleased to announce that Charlene Koski and Melinda (Mindy) Meade Meyers have been elected to partnership, effective January 1, 2025. Charlene, based in Seattle, is an appellate attorney who represents clients in state and federal courts and advises on legal matters and litigation strategies. Mindy, based in Washington, DC, specializes in federal regulatory law and policy as they pertain to public lands, natural resources, and Native communities.

“We are proud to welcome Charlene and Mindy to the partnership. They have each made significant contributions to the firm and to our client representations in their respective practices,” said Co-Chair Nancy McNally. “We are confident their legal expertise and dedication will fortify the firm’s practices and support our continued growth,” added Co-Chair Doug Smith.

Tadas Kisielius, Seattle Managing Partner, echoes the enthusiasm of the Co-Chairs, saying “Charlene and Mindy’s contributions strengthen the firm’s collaborative culture – they excel professionally and in building relationships with clients and colleagues.”

Charlene Koski has extensive experience representing public and private clients in state, federal, and administrative appeals and routinely leverages that experience to provide trial teams with briefing and other litigation support. In addition to representing her clients in court, Charlene provides counsel on litigation and appellate strategies, dispute analyses, and risk assessments. Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman, Charlene served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Appellate Section of the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, where she represented the United States before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She is active in the local and federal appellate bar, serves as a Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative for the Western District of Washington, and has been recognized for her pro bono service, including filing amicus briefs in state and federal courts of appeals, on matters involving federal environmental statues, complex litigation, criminal defense, human rights, asylum, and tribal affairs. Charlene graduated from University of Washington School of Law and served as a law clerk for the Honorable Richard C. Tallman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Melinda Meade Meyers focuses on federal regulatory law and policy as they pertain to national park concessions, natural resource development, and the unique interests and legal rights of Native communities and organizations. She advises national park concessioners, Alaska Native Corporations, municipalities, and others on regulatory compliance matters, corporate governance, federal appropriations and grants, and strategic business and political decision-making related to land use and economic development. Throughout her career, Mindy has represented clients before Congress, administrative agencies, and federal courts on issues involving key natural resources statues, such as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Concessions Management Improvement Act, Endangered Species Act, Animal Welfare Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. Mindy also serves as Executive Director of the National Park Hospitality Association.