Natural Resources Associate (4+ years experience)
Job Location:
Washington, DC - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Van Ness Feldman is seeking an experienced environmental / natural resources attorney with at least 4 years of relevant experience to join our Environmental Land Use Natural Resources and Real Estate team. The ideal candidate would be based in one of our offices including Seattle Houston Washington DC or the Bay Area. We are also open to remote candidates based in the US for this role.
Who We Are
Natural Resources law has been a foundational element of Van Ness Feldman for nearly all of the firms 50-year history. Our attorneys are responsible for advising clients on a wide range of federal and state regulatory enforcement permitting siting and compliance requirements encountered during project development and facility operations including the Clean Air Act (CAA) the Clean Water Act (CWA) the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) the Endangered Species Act (ESA) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and federal and state hazardous waste laws and all parallel state and local equivalents.
What Youll Do
- Research and analysis of complex regulatory issues under NEPA the ESA CWA and the NHPA
- Draft arguments pleadings and briefs in federal administrative record litigation under NEPA the ESA CWA and the NHPA
- Participate in settlement negotiations with state and federal agencies with respect to compliance with environmental laws
- Track and analyze changes in federal regulations and statutes
- Work with federal and state agencies (e.g. Bureau of Land Management Army Corps of Engineers National Marine Fisheries Services) to secure permits on a wide variety of projects including: solar and wind facilities tide gates submarine cables transmission lines reservoirs
- Work on high-profile high-stakes water supply and energy issues including but not limited to: Colorado River water supply issues California State Water Project water supply issues programmatic ESA coverage for drainage infrastructure; renewable energy siting and permitting (hydropower wind solar) and the National Flood Insurance Program
Skills and Qualifications:
Role Specific Skills and Experience
- Experience in environmental permitting regulatory compliance and enforcement and associated litigation under federal and state environmental laws such as the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) the Endangered Species Act (ESA) the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA).
Basic Qualifications
- Graduated with a JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active admission or eligibility for admission in the jurisdiction in which the candidate will practice
- 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 take ownership of matters and proactively drive work forward
- Ability to quickly learn new issues and apply that understanding in practice
- Comfort operating with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with a lead partner
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 supporting a healthy work/life balance. Attorneys are expected to be in the office at least three days a week / twelve days a month but scheduling is flexible. With a 1700 annual billable hour requirement (including up to 100 hours of pro bono or business development activities) attorneys are encouraged to work hard while maintaining balance outside the office. The Firm rewards attorneys who exceed the target with a generous bonus. The culture at VNF relies on mutual respect appreciation and support. A focus on professional development is central including regular feedback and training opportunities. VNF seeks individuals who share this approach and bring a collaborative mindset and take pride in thoughtful high-quality work.
Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For this position the good-faith annual base salary range is $180000 to $205000 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
