Environ. Litigation Mid-Level to Senior Associate (4+ yrs exp)

Van Ness Feldman is seeking a litigation attorney with at least 4 years of relevant experience in environmental statutes and implementing regulations to join our Litigation, Enforcement, and Investigations practice group. This position is based in our Seattle office.

Who We Are

VNF’s litigation practice group represents clients in environmental litigation in federal district court, including claims under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, CERCLA/Superfund, and similar state and federal statutes. The practice group regularly supports VNF’s environment, land use, natural resources, real estate, and energy regulatory practice groups in litigation matters. While VNF is organized into these primary practice groups, our professionals also work on complex litigation and claims for clients beyond environment and energy, including claims on behalf of Indian tribes. 

What You’ll Do

The successful associate will be given significant responsibility within a dynamic and collegial team-based structure. The associate will work directly with experienced and accomplished environmental litigators on a variety of matters. The associate will also support more junior associates through mentoring, training, and delegation. While the work will be primarily litigation, a portion of the work may include representation of clients in non-litigation matters.

Skills and Qualifications

Role Specific Skills and Experience

• Experience with major litigation matters infederalor statecourt
• Experience in drafting legal work product such as legal memoranda, client recommendations, pleadings, and/or discovery requests and responses
• Experience taking and defending depositions
• Experience handling discovery disputes
• Experience in trial presentation, including examination of witnesses, introduction of evidence, and oral advocacy
• Experience with environmental statutes and implementing regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, CERCLA/Superfund, and/or similar state and federal statutes, as well as equitable claims

Basic Qualifications

• Graduated with a JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active admission or eligibility for admission in in Washington State
• 4 of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent research, drafting, and writing skills, and ability to produce high-quality work on tight timelines
• Excellent oral communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly, directly, and practically with clients and colleagues
• Ability to manage matters independently and proactively drive work forward
• Ability to quickly learn new issues and apply that understanding in practice

About Us

Van Ness Feldman is a nationally recognized law firm focused on energy, environmental, and natural resources law and policy. Home to 100 attorneys and policy professionals, the Firm has offices in Washington, DC; Seattle; the Bay Area; Houston; and Louisiana. For nearly 50 years, the Firm has provided 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 addition to joining an active and highly collaborative team, the candidate will be part of a Firm that is committed to accommodating a healthy work/life balance. Associates are expected to be in the office at least three days a week, but scheduling is flexible. With a 1,700 annual billable hour requirement, (of which up to 100 hours can be qualifying pro bono or business development activities), associates 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 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. 

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For this position, the good-faith annual base salary range is $185,000 - $205,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and office location. In addition to base salary, compensation may include a bonus based on hours and other applicable criteria. The Firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) profit-sharing plan, paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, life and disability insurance, employee assistance resources, and professional development opportunities.

Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact recruiting@vnf.com.