Litigation Associate (2+ years experience)
Washington, AR - USA
Job Summary
Van Ness Feldman is seeking a litigation attorney with at least 2 years of relevant experience to join our Litigation Enforcement and Investigations practice group. This position can be based in either our Seattle WA or Washington DC offices.
Who We Are
VNFs litigation practice group represents clients in environmental litigation in federal district court including claims under CERCLA/Superfund the Clean Water Act the Clean Air Act the National Environmental Policy Act the Endangered Species Act and similar state and federal statutes. The practice group also regularly supports VNFs 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 Youll 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. 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 in state or federal court either as attorney or clerk
- Experience in drafting legal work product such as legal memoranda client recommendations pleadings and/or discovery requests and responses
- Experience with environmental statutes and implementing regulations such as CERCLA/Superfund the Clean Water Act the Clean Air Act the Endangered Species Act the National Environmental Policy Act and/or similar state and federal statutes as well as equitable claims; experience with Indian law is a plus
- Due to the technical nature of the practice an undergraduate degree or some experience in a scientific field (environmental science biology chemistry engineering etc.) will be helpful
Basic Qualifications
- Graduated with a JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active admission or eligibility for admission in in the jurisdiction in which the candidate will practice
- 2 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 1700 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 $175000 to $185000 depending on experience qualifications and office 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
Required Experience:
IC