Careers

Land Use/Municipal Attorney(s)

The Seattle office seeks an experienced attorney to join our nationally-ranked, preeminent land use practice in Seattle. We are seeking a mid-level attorney with 4+ years’ experience in land use, municipal, or aligned practice areas. We are also interested in Of Counsel or Lateral Partner candidates.

The ideal candidate has experience in the interpretation, compliance, and defense of actions under Washington State's planning and land use statutes including the Growth Management Act (GMA), Planning Enabling Act, Local Project Review Statute (ch. 36.70B RCW), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA), as well as other state regulations governing development, and accompanying environmental review pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). We prefer the candidate have strong experience representing clients in local and state administrative proceedings, including before Hearing Examiners, City and County Councils, the Shorelines Hearings Board, Pollution Control Hearings Board, Growth Management Hearings Board and in related judicial appeals, including appeals pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act and the Land Use Petition Act.

In addition to joining our national and regional land use team, the candidate will be part of a Firm that is committed to accommodating a healthy work/life balance. With a 1,700 annual billable hour requirement, (of which up to 100 hours can be qualifying pro bono or business development activities), attorneys 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 Firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401k profit-sharing plan; and employee wellness opportunities. 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.

Confidential inquiries can be sent to recruiting@vnf.com or apply here

The Firm provides a hybrid work environment.

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The estimated salary range for a 4+ year associate is $185,000 to $205,000. In addition to base salary, total compensation includes a generous bonus when the annual billable hour target is exceeded. For Of Counsel and Partner candidates, compensation is based on a range of factors DOE.

Litigation Associate

Van Ness Feldman seeks a mid-level litigation associate (2-4 years’ experience) to join our litigation, enforcement, and investigations practice group. 

VNF’s 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 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. 

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong academic credentials;
• Experience with major litigation matters in federal court, either as attorney or clerk;
• Ability to synthesize complex legal and technical issues into digestible legal analysis;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Experience in drafting legal work product such as legal memoranda, client recommendations, pleadings, and/or discovery requests and responses;
• Outstanding time management and organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Team attitude with the ability to work independently on discrete legal issues; and
• 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.

The successful associate will be given significant responsibility within a dynamic and collegial team-based structure. The position will be based either in Washington, DC or Seattle, WA, with an expectation to be in the office at least three times per week, and may also involve collaboration across firm offices. 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. 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 but is not required. Federal clerks are highly encouraged to apply.

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 Firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) profit-sharing plan; and employee wellness opportunities. 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. 

Confidential inquiries can be sent to recruiting@vnf.com or apply here.

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The estimated base salary range for a 2+ year associate is $175,000-185,000. In addition to base salary, total compensation includes a generous bonus when the annual billable hour target is exceeded.

Real Estate Associate

Van Ness Feldman is seeking an experienced real estate attorney to join our Seattle team. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of substantive experience in commercial, industrial, and residential development, including drafting and negotiating complex documents related to the acquisition and disposition of property, and financing / loan transactions. Candidate should have experience coordinating due diligence reviews (including title and survey) and closings.

We are looking for someone who is team-oriented with strong written and oral communication skills. The ideal candidate should display passion for working hard, take initiative in a fast-paced environment with motivated and collegial colleagues, and enjoy being part of a collaborative and diverse culture that supports our firm values.

Skills and Qualifications Include:

• Representing buyers, sellers, and developers in transactions involving all sizes and types of real estate transactions;
• Performing and coordinating due diligence in the acquisition and financing of real estate for investment, development, occupancy, sales, leasing, and collateralization;
• Representing clients in negotiating and closing on acquisition financing, construction financing, and permanent financing;
• Assisting and coordinating with clients in working with local city and state officials across the country with respect to compliance matters related to the development, redevelopment, and use of property.
• The ideal candidate will have outstanding academic credentials, a strong work ethic, a logical and analytical thought process, excellent organizational, drafting, writing and research skills, as well as the ability to establish strong client and peer relationships.

Candidates will be part of a team that is committed to accommodating a healthy work/life balance. With a 1700 annual billable hour requirement, (of which up to 100 hours can be qualifying nonbillable activities), attorneys are encouraged to work hard while cultivating their passions outside the office. The firm rewards associates that exceed the target through generous bonuses. The firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401k profit-sharing plan; and employee wellness opportunities. The culture at VNF relies on mutual respect, appreciation, and support for one another. A focus on professional development is central, including regular feedback and input on how our team can improve. VNF seeks individuals who share this approach and bring a collaborative mindset to what we consider a unique and rewarding firm culture.

Please send cover letter and resume to recruiting@vnf.com

The Firm operates in a hybrid work environment.

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The starting annual base salary based on 4 or more years of practice is $185,000-$205,000, depending on experience. In addition to base salary, total compensation includes bonuses for which associates are eligible when they meet or exceed the annual billable hour target.

Director of Professional Talent Management

Seattle, WA; Washington, DC

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Professional Talent Management to lead the Firm’s efforts to attract, develop, and retain top-tier legal and policy professionals. This role is central to shaping a diverse, high-performing team and supporting the Firm’s strategic growth across all offices. The Director will oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and mentoring programs while collaborating closely with Practice Group Leaders and key administrative departments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Talent Acquisition & Hiring

• Lead full life-cycle recruitment for attorneys, policy professionals, and other timekeepers, including sourcing, screening, offers, and integration.
• Build relationships with law schools, professional networks, and search firms to maintain a strong pipeline of diverse talent.
• Reimagine the law school recruiting and Summer Associate Program with a focus on hands-on client experience, technology fluency, and professional growth.
• Oversee lateral hiring aligned with strategic needs and develop job descriptions and compensation strategies.
• Partner with Business Development & Marketing on employer branding and external communications.

Professional Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Firm leadership to design and implement training, development, and utilization programs.
• Lead the performance review process for timekeepers and support individualized development plans.
• Enhance onboarding, integration, and mentorship programs.
• Coordinate Firmwide training programs focused on legal skills, business development, client service, and digital fluency.

Cross-Functional Strategy & Collaboration

• Support workforce planning, pipeline development, retention strategies, and evolving pricing models linked to talent development.
• Monitor industry trends in AI, automation, hybrid work, and reskilling to inform Firm‑wide programming.
• Oversee inclusion initiatives and assist in managing pro bono activities in partnership with the Firm’s pro bono coordinator.
• Identify professional skill gaps, especially in business development, financial literacy, and technology adoption.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or JD preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in law firm recruitment or law school career services, including talent development and attorney lifecycle management.
• Strong communication, analytical, and judgment skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the Firm.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and executive presence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams/Zoom, and law firm systems such as Aderant, iManage, and HRIS platforms.
• This is primarily an in‑office role with periodic travel to the other Firm offices.

Salary range: $140,000 - $200,000 annually; salary will be commensurate with the candidate's prior and relevant experience and may fall outside the stated range based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, job-related considerations, internal equity, and market conditions.

Benefits package: includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), and a profit-sharing plan.

Apply for the Director of Talent Management position here.

Senior Billing Specialist

Seattle, WA; Washington, DC

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Sr. Billing Specialist serves as a strategic liaison between timekeepers, clients, and the Firm’s billing and accounting functions, providing end-to-end client account support for complex and high-value matters. This role partners closely with timekeepers to ensure accurate, timely, and client-compliant invoicing while supporting broader firm objectives related to pricing, budgeting, and revenue management.

In this role, the Sr. Billing Specialist applies advanced knowledge of legal billing, client guidelines, alternative fee arrangements, and e-billing platforms to proactively manage client accounts, resolve billing challenges, and improve financial outcomes. The position requires strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to translate billing data into actionable insights for timekeepers and firm leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with timekeepers to ensure complex billing arrangements, including multi-payer and delayed split billing, volume discounts, retainers, and alternative fee arrangements are followed prior to finalizing invoices.
• Review and analyze invoices to ensure compliance with Firm policies, client billing guidelines, and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation and distribution of monthly pre-bills, track timekeeper feedback, and ensure timely completion of revisions and invoice finalization.
• Monitor client accounts to proactively identify billing risks, exceptions, or delays, and partner with timekeepers on appropriate resolution strategies.
• Research and resolve billing issues related to unbilled time, aging balances, unapplied cash, and client inquiries, providing thoughtful recommendations to support timely resolution.
• Act as a trusted escalation point for complex billing issues, rejected invoices, or client-specific requirements.
• Identify and address issues related to billing setup, time entry, or rate configuration to prevent subsequent billing challenges.
• Generate and analyze Work in Progress (WIP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and On-Account reports for assigned timekeepers and matters.
• Facilitate the preparation and submission of matter budgets and as requested, provide variance analysis and financial insights to timekeepers.
• Process billing-related adjustments, including narrative corrections, time entry splits, write-ups, write-downs, transfers, in accordance with Firm policy.
• Maintain oversight of client invoicing and payment activity to support potential audit requests for audit appeals process.
• Identify opportunities to improve billing processes, documentation, and workflows to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction.
• Satisfactorily performs all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High school diploma or GED required, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of legal billing experience managing high volume billing portfolio in a fast-paced customer environment, customer service and business analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of Work in Progress (WIP), Accounts Receivable (AR), accruals, and billing lifecycle management.
• Experience preparing, reviewing, and finalizing invoices, including pre-bill review, revisions, and electronic invoice submission.
• Advanced attention to detail with the ability to identify billing risks, inconsistencies, or compliance issues before invoice submission.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience supporting and managing retainer-based agreements and complex billing arrangements, including alternative fee arrangements, multi-payor & split billing, and client-specific billing guidelines.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive financial and client information.
• Strong knowledge in Aderant Legal Billing accounting system. Proficient in billing applications such as eBilling, LEDES file formats or BillBlast; experience with iTimekeep preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Salary range: The anticipated salary range for this position is $65,000 to $105,000. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, job- related considerations, internal equity, and market conditions.

Benefits package: includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), and a profit-sharing plan.

Apply for the Senior Billing Specialist position here.

Van Ness Feldman enthusiastically extends an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, military status, physical disability, or any similarly protected status. The firm has a policy of positive action to ensure the fulfillment of our commitment to a diverse and equitable workplace.

This link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.