Public Policy Assistant

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.

The DC office is seeking a Public Policy Assistant who will play a crucial role in supporting our public policy professionals and attorneys by performing various administrative functions and assisting with researching, analyzing, and advocating for public policy initiatives that align with firm’s goals and client interests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Support policy professionals, clients, trade associations, and other individuals associated with the Firm by organizing and prioritizing tasks/projects with limited supervision.
• Handle client inquiries, schedule meetings, arrange conference calls, and make travel arrangements. Follow up on behalf of professionals and take charge of administrative details.
• Draft, proofread, and edit documents and correspondence using appropriate public policy terminology.
• Create and prepare presentations using relevant software applications.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the organization.
• Maintain client confidentiality and organize files according to the firm's Records Retention policy.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping of time entries and expenditures.
• Assist in organizing meetings, conferences, and public events.
• Provide research assistance on a variety of topics under the guidance of public policy professionals.
• Complete special projects as necessary.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a professional services environment.  Prior law firm experience a plus.  
• Five plus years administrative experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work with individuals at all levels; expert organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines; excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work independently and be proactive; ability to make judgment decisions, adapt to changing work situations, grasp and apply new ideas.
• Strong computer/software skills including thorough knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Salary Range: $65,000 to $75,000

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 health, dental, 401(k)/profit-sharing plan.