Litigation Counsel (10+ years experience)

VAN NESS FELDMAN LLP•Seattle, WA

12h•$190,000 - $215,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Van Ness Feldman is seeking a litigation attorney with at least 10 years of relevant experience to join its Litigation, Enforcement, and Investigations practice group in Seattle on a hybrid in-office basis. The group represents clients in environmental litigation in local administrative hearings, state tribunals, and state court, and supports the firm’s Environment, Land Use, Natural Resources, Real Estate, and Energy Regulatory practice groups. Its work also includes complex litigation and claims beyond environment and energy. The attorney will have significant responsibility in a dynamic, collaborative team and work directly with experienced environmental litigators and regulatory attorneys on a variety of matters. The role is primarily litigation, though some non-litigation client representation may be included. The attorney will also mentor, train, and delegate work to more junior associates. Associates are expected to be in the office at least three days per week, with flexible scheduling, and have a 1,700-hour annual billable requirement. Up to 100 hours may be qualifying pro bono or business development activities. Associates who exceed the target may receive a bonus. The firm emphasizes work/life balance, collaboration, 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; compensation may also include a bonus based on hours and other applicable criteria.

Requirements

At least 10 years of relevant experience.
First-chair experience with major litigation matters in local administrative hearings, state tribunals, or state court.
Experience drafting legal work product such as 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 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, 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.
Experience with condemnation matters.

Responsibilities

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