Van Ness Feldman, LLP, a mid-sized Washington, DC-based law firm that specializes in energy, natural resources, environmental and transportation policy is seeking a motivated and energetic Legislative Assistant to help support the firm’s vibrant government advocacy and public policy practice. The Legislative Assistant will assist with research, analysis and development of advocacy materials pertaining to public policy on the Legislative and Executive Branch level. This includes, but is not limited to, monitoring developments and daily trade reports in the following issue areas: climate change, energy technologies, environment, natural resources, transportation, infrastructure and the federal budget.

Day to Day duties would include the following:

Client Needs: Participate in team efforts to meet client needs including, but not limited to, tracking legislation, participating in client calls, editing documents, and taking notes at various events, including Congressional hearings. Additionally, this person would be responsible for the following tasks:

• Summarizing legislation pertaining to energy, environmental, budget, appropriations, and other client issues.
• Preparing memoranda and reports on Congressional hearings and legislative mark-ups.
• Assisting in preparing clients for meetings with Congressional staff.

Support Practice Needs: Participate in various Public Policy Practice meetings and support the sharing of information among colleagues. Additional supportive tasks include:

• Assisting with drafting and research for firm marketing Alerts and Updates related to policy activity (see examples here: https://www.vnf.com/resource-center).
• Coordinating with others to update tracking documents focused on legislation, regulatory action and other matters of significance to the practice.

Coalition Coordination and Support:

• Provide various support services to firm professionals and industry members of firm-led advocacy coalitions.
• Draft action alerts, lobbying materials and other advocacy tools to keep Congressional staff, coalition managers and members informed on the latest news and policy developments.
• Create and maintain content for industry coalition websites and brochures.
• Coordinate coalition meetings and logistics, develop agenda items, draft meeting materials, and handle meeting oversight.

Qualifications:

Preference for Bachelor’s degree, in Political Science, Public Administration, or related field, and 1-3 years of work experience on Capitol Hill, with a federal agency, or with a trade association/organization focused on issues areas noted above.

• Familiarity with federal legislative and regulatory processes
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to perform multiple tasks accurately and efficiently under time constraints
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain confidentiality
• Interest in joining a collaborative, ambitious team that supports professional development goals

Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), and profit-sharing plan. EOE.