Litigation Counsel (10+ years experience)

VAN NESS FELDMAN LLP•Seattle, WA

14h•$190,000 - $215,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Van Ness Feldman is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to join its Litigation, Enforcement, and Investigations practice group in Seattle on a hybrid in-office basis. The litigation practice represents clients in environmental matters before local administrative hearings, state tribunals, and state courts, and supports the firm’s Environment, Land Use, Natural Resources, Real Estate, and Energy Regulatory practice groups. The firm also handles complex litigation and claims beyond the environment and energy sectors. The attorney will have significant responsibility in a dynamic, collaborative, team-based practice and work directly with experienced environmental litigators and regulatory attorneys on a variety of matters. The role is primarily focused on litigation, although some non-litigation client representation may be involved. The attorney will also mentor, train, and delegate work to junior associates. Associates are expected to work at least three days per week in the office, with flexible scheduling, and meet a 1,700 annual billable-hour requirement. Up to 100 hours of qualifying pro bono or business development activities may count toward that requirement. Associates who exceed the target may receive a bonus. The firm emphasizes collaboration, work/life balance, mutual respect, and professional development through regular feedback and training. The good-faith annual base salary range is $190,000–$215,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and office location. Additional compensation may include a bonus based on hours and other applicable criteria. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) profit-sharing plan; paid time off and holidays; parental leave; life and disability insurance; employee assistance resources; and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

At least 10 years of relevant experience.
First-chair experience with major litigation matters in local administrative proceedings, state tribunals, or state court.
Experience drafting 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 witness examination, introduction of evidence, and oral advocacy.
Experience with major state and federal environmental statutes and implementing regulations.
JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active admission to the Washington State Bar or eligibility for admission in Washington State.

Nice To Haves

Strong academic credentials.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent research, drafting, and writing skills, including the ability to produce high-quality work on tight timelines.
Excellent oral communication skills and 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.
Experience with condemnation matters.

Responsibilities

Lead major litigation matters in local administrative hearings, state tribunals, or state court.
Draft legal work product, including legal memoranda, client recommendations, pleadings, and discovery requests and responses.
Take and defend depositions.
Handle discovery disputes.
Present cases at trial, including examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and conducting oral advocacy.
Work with environmental litigators and regulatory attorneys on a variety of matters.
Represent clients in litigation and, as needed, in non-litigation matters.
Mentor and train junior associates and delegate work to them.