Senior Manager/Director of Professional Development & Talent
Washington, DC
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.
Van Ness Feldman seeks a Senior Manager/Director of Professional Development & Talent to play a critical role in supporting the Firm's efforts to attract, develop, and retain a top-tier legal and policy team, which includes attorneys, policy professionals, and other specialists such as paralegals, energy analysts, and litigation and administrative support. This position is central to building a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performing team across all functions of the Firm. A minimum of 5-10 years in law firm recruitment or law school career services experience, including all aspects of the attorney recruitment process, is required. A bachelor's degree is required, and a Master's or JD is preferred.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Talent Acquisition & Lateral Hiring
- Design and manage full life-cycle recruitment for attorneys, policy professionals, and other timekeepers.
- Develop strong relationships with law schools, professional networks, and search firms.
- Oversee lateral hiring campaigns in collaboration with the Firm and Practice Group Leaders.
- Develop and implement competitive timekeeper compensation strategies.
Professional Development & Utilization
- Identify, develop, and execute training and professional development programs that support the professionals at the Firm, working collaboratively with Firm leadership.
- Work with Practice Group Leaders to identify support needs, utilization gaps, and recruiting strategies.
- Administer and facilitate the timekeeper performance review process, including materials preparation, facilitation, and implementation.
- Create individualized development plans for each timekeeper and monitor performance.
- Oversee and enhance mentoring, onboarding, and integration programs.
Strategy, Pricing, & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Advise Firm leadership related to workforce planning, timekeeper professional development, and retention; and work closely with timekeepers to enhance marketability.
- Create programs that support timekeeper professional development and are responsive to relevant industry trends (both in the legal industry and our clients' industries).
- Manage initiatives to enhance workplace inclusivity.
- Work with the pro bono coordinator to develop and foster relationships with legal aid services and nonprofit organizations needing legal services.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Professional Development: 5-10+ years of experience in timekeeper professional development, including core competencies, program design, and career progression.
- Project Management: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, perform well under pressure, and meet deadlines.
- Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills for engaging with various stakeholders.
- Analytical Skills: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills for forming sound conclusions independently.
- Professionalism: Demonstrated executive presence, tenacity, integrity, and professionalism.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for working effectively in a consensus-driven organization.
- Work Ethic: Strong work ethic and willingness to take on a variety of assignments.
- Talent Management: Proven tenure and experience in retaining, developing, and motivating professionals.
- Industry Knowledge: Working knowledge of best practices and trends in employee engagement, retention, training, and professional development.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with law firm tools and advanced proficiency in virtual platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Aderant, iManage, TRE AI, ADP Workforce Now).
Van Ness Feldman is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable laws, the Firm prohibits discrimination against any applicant based on any legally-recognized basis. The Firm has a policy of positive action to ensure the fulfillment of our commitment to an inclusive and equitable workplace.
Salary range: $140,000 to $170,000, Senior Manager; $170,000 to $200,000, Director; 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. Please provide your cover letter and resume to recruiting@vnf.com by October 15, 2025.
HR Manager
Washington, DC
Van Ness Feldman is a nationally recognized law firm focused on energy, environmental, and natural resources law and policy. With offices in Washington DC, Seattle, the Bay Area, Houston, and Louisiana, the firm has nearly 50 years’ experience 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.
We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to partner with the Director of Human Resources in leading key HR functions for the Firm. The Human Resources Manager will assist with recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, employee engagement, performance and talent management, benefits and compensation, HR technology, and payroll support.
The ideal candidate will bring at least 7 years of progressive HR experience – preferably in a law -- firm along with strong knowledge of HR best practices and HRIS systems. They will have excellent organization, oral/written communication, and interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of Firm employees and external entities. Must have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
"Essential functions" refer to the core job duties required of the Human Resources Manager.
Working with the Director of Human Resources, the Human Resources Manager will:
Recruitment and Onboarding:
- Oversee all phases of recruitment and onboarding for firm staff.
- Create job descriptions, post openings, screen applicants, offer letters, and conduct interviews.
- Manage ADP's Recruiting module to streamline hiring.
Employee Relations and Engagement:
- Offer support for employee relations and help with investigations.
- Create programs to boost engagement, inclusion, and performance.
- Conduct exit interviews, monitor departure patterns, and suggest solutions for improving workplace policies and morale.
Performance & Talent Management
- Facilitate performance reviews and talent development.
- Identify training needs and facilitate professional growth.
- Leverage Microsoft Copilot and Generative AI to create materials, draft communications, and analyze feedback.
Benefits and Compensation:
- Assist in the design, implementation, and administration of the Firm’s benefits, total reward strategies, and retirement program to remain competitive and support employee satisfaction.
- Lead the annual open enrollment process.
- Oversee leave programs (FMLA, ADA, Disability), and wellness initiatives for all employees.
- Complete salary surveys.
Compliance and Policy:
- Maintain compliance with all federal, state and local labor laws and regulations including 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing, EEO, ACA, HIPPA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, wage & hour, etc.).
- Maintain compliance with firm policies.
- Developing and updating of HR policies, procedures, and best practices tailored to the legal industry.
- Handle all regulatory reporting and compliance including EEO-1, OSHA, ACA, Medicare, etc.
- Review and update HR policies to the employee handbook, and standard operating procedures, leveraging Microsoft Copilot for drafting and formatting.
HR Technology, Automation, and Payroll:
- Maintain and optimize ADP Workforce Now as the primary HRIS platform.
- Serve as backup for payroll administration utilizing ADP Workforce Now.
- Collaborate with IT to identify opportunities for process automation, using Microsoft tools and HRIS functionality.
General Duties:
- Perform other duties as assigned.
ATTENDANCE AND HOURS
This position is designated as hybrid and requires a minimum of three days per week in the office.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management or Business Administration required; Master’s degree or PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification preferred. Minimum 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a law firm. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
If you're interested, please apply at this link.
Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and profit sharing.
Litigation Specialist/Legal Assistant
Lafayette, CA
Perform all support functions for the Litigation practice, including assisting in preparing filings in Courts, investigations, discovery, and trial preparation and presentation. Handles the calendaring of activities, tasks and deadlines, and case management functions for the team. This position requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to work under pressure, and exceptional attention to detail. The successful candidate will be proficient in using litigation support software or willingness to receive training as needed. This role involves coordinating with attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals to ensure that all aspects of litigation support are handled efficiently, effectively, and competently. Demonstrates the ability to work well with others and with remote team members as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
"Essential functions" are those job duties that a Litigation Specialist/Legal Assistant must be able to perform unassisted, after training, or with some reasonable support from the Firm.
Maintain calendars for timekeepers, including:
- Scheduling appointments and meetings, managing calendars for timekeepers, and coordinating with other parties involved in litigation, including travel as needed.
- Sending and organizing calendar and meeting requests with internal team members, opposing counsel, co-counsel, witnesses, clients, and others.
- Maintaining calendars showing all deadlines and reminders for each case including deadline-assistant software, after training.
- Coordinating site visits.
- Ensuring virtual meetings and hearings are arranged so all conference rooms are properly connected with court-provided links and compatible laptops are available for access.
- Preparing logistics for meetings, interviews, depositions, and trial, including accommodations, working space, supplies, food, files, witness materials, and other support required by the attorneys and other members of the trial team.
- Maintaining and updating a master calendar for the office.
- Circulating an updated master calendar on a weekly basis, along with a rolling three-week calendar of deadlines.
- Proactively check in with responsible attorneys regarding approaching deadlines and actively manage schedules to ensure compliance.
Support litigation tasks:
- Creating excel spreadsheets to track litigation processes, such as case tasks, depositions, document productions, etc.
- Managing ongoing litigation tasks, schedule, and circulate upcoming deadlines for planning purposes.
Organize and maintain case files:
- Organizing and ensuring preservation of hard-copy originals.
- Utilizing VNF’s document management systems to ensure proper filing of electronic copies. Keep electronic maintenance of cases organized for easy reference ensuring the electronic file is always up to date and has accurate information as to the status of the case.
- Creating and maintaining document sharing sites, such as iManage Share for attorneys, co-counsel and clients.
- Locating and providing litigation files as needed to attorneys on a time-sensitive basis.
Organize and utilize discovery repositories to process large volumes of documents:
- Using Disco, EverLaw, Nuix, Espy, and/or other document repository software after training.
- Learning document repository software to support review, tagging, and production of documents at an attorney’s assignment and direction.
Send written communications on behalf of attorneys:
- Serving as a point of contact for clients, providing information and answering questions at the direction of the attorneys.
Assist in the preparation of legal documents:
- Proofreading, formatting, finalizing, and ensuring proper mailing of communications and case filings.
- Preparing templates for legal filings.
- Assisting in the preparation, review, and formatting of legal documents, such as pleadings, motions and briefs ensuring documents comply with court rules and procedures.
- Creating and inserting Table of Authorities and Table of Contents to applicable briefs using features in Microsoft Word, Best Authority, and Westlaw.
- Checking citations in legal documents to ensure citations are formatted correctly using the Bluebook.
- Preparing binders of documents needed for specific meetings, hearings, depositions, etc.
Assist with investigations, discovery and trial preparation:
- Attending Court or other venues to ensure space has capacity to support Firm technology (i.e. laptops, WIFI). Partner with the IT department as needed.
- Supporting teams during the proceedings (including travel when appropriate).
- Conducting factual research as directed by attorneys and preparing summaries.
- Staying current on court rules and procedures as they relate to the case load.
Support administrative functions:
- Arranging for timely payment of case-related invoices.
- Creating correspondence for those paying attorney fees and group membership costs for cases and tracking payments.
- Reviewing invoices and coordinating wire transfer for payment of other client expenses as directed by attorneys.
- Ensuring billable time is entered regularly.
Core litigation knowledge required:
- Knowing how to file and serve pleadings and motions in federal court.
- Knowing how to file and serve pleadings and motions in California state court.
- Preparing and handling all proofs of service.
- Understanding discovery processes, including interrogatories and requests for production (served, not filed).
- Drafting and formatting responses to discovery requests, including calendaring deadlines, setting up frameworks for responses, and preparing verifications when required.
- Understanding deposition practice in state and federal court, including when a subpoena is required and differences between party and non-party depositions.
- Producing documents: numbering, organizing, and preserving control sets for each production.
- Handling documents produced to the Firm by keeping them segregated, addressing unnumbered productions, and ensuring organization and information security standards.
- Understanding of motion practice, including proper use of pleading paper, formatting requirements, creating tables of authorities and contents, preparing notices of motion, points and authorities, declarations, proofs of service, and supporting evidence.
- Knowing how to use correct form of and formatting signature blocks.
- Knowing how to use Judicial Council forms.
ATTENDANCE AND HOURS
This position is an in-office position. Must work in the office 5 days per week and must work 7.5 hours per day. Occasionally, overtime may be required, which will be compensated based on the Firm's overtime policy.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience. Minimum of 5 – 7 years of professional litigation experience is required in a law firm setting. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Windows environment. The ability to work well on a team and possess excellent oral and written communications skills.
Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, technology-assisted review (TAR), multimodal discovery (documents, video, chat platforms, collaboration tools) and AI-powered legal technology platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, DISCO Cecilia, Harvey AI) is strongly preferred. Beginner to intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other modern virtual conferencing platforms in a professional setting.
Van Ness Feldman extends an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to gender, age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, disability, and the use of service animals or any similarly protected status. The Firm has a policy of positive action to ensure the fulfillment of our commitment to an inclusive and equitable workplace
Benefits Include health, dental, vision and a 401(k)/profit sharing plan.
Salary Range: $46 - $51 per hour depending on experience.
Click here to apply.