Careers

With over 80 attorneys maintaining a tradition of excellence in offices in Washington, D.C., Denver, Colorado, and Austin, Texas, we bring big firm legal skills with a small firm approach.

As a mid-sized communications, energy, and technology law firm based in Washington, D.C., Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP provides the quality of representation and client base typically associated with a large firm, while maintaining the personal style of a smaller firm. To sustain and enhance these unique qualities, the firm seeks candidates who have balanced excellence in law school with solid professional and personal achievements.

WBK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic background, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or veteran status. The ideal candidate will also bring a strong work ethic, team‑oriented ethos, and a healthy, perhaps even irreverent, sense of humor. We look forward to meeting you.

Read the Five Pillars of WBK.

Lateral Openings

Associate Openings

Associate Openings (2)

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
2L Summer Associate – Summer 2027
Washington DC | Denver CO | Austin TX

To apply, please complete an application here and attach one .pdf containing your cover letter, resume, transcript, class rank (if available) and writing sample. If class rank is not available at time of application, please supplement the application when available. Deadline for submission is May 31, 2026.

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP seeks a 2L Summer Associate for its top-tier communications, energy, and technology practice. This is a 10-week position during the summer of 2027, and the selected candidate will be expected to work primarily in person and may select one of our offices in either Washington, DC, Denver, Colorado, or Austin, TX. Applicants should possess outstanding academic credentials, superb writing ability, excellent analytical skills, and sound judgment. We provide competitive compensation and an enjoyable, inclusive, good-natured work environment.

Our Firm
Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP (WBK), one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a “Band 1” firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory) and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory). WBK is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law six times by Best Lawyers Best Law Firm (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2025), and is recognized as a “Silver Band” firm for prosecution and strategy in DC and a “Bronze Band” firm in litigation and enforcement in DC in the 2026 edition of the World Trademark Review 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. The firm, with offices in Washington, DC, Denver, Colorado, and Austin, Texas, advises clients ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups in regulatory, transactional, privacy, consumer protection, intellectual property, corporate and litigation matters involving all aspects of communications and energy law, at both the state and federal levels. To learn more about Wilkinson Barker Knauer, visit www.wbklaw.com.

WBK is a special place to practice law; we mean it when we say we are #notjustanotherlawfirm. With over 80 attorneys and advisors, the firm provides the quality of representation and client base typically associated with a large firm, with the personal style only a smaller firm can deliver. Each day, we work together for both the common good of the group and the common goal of building and maintaining a nationally recognized legal practice. We highly value collaboration, supporting each other personally and professionally using our individual talents and expertise. Every attorney is encouraged to be entrepreneurial and to contribute in their own way; there is no single model for success. We avoid silos, hierarchy, and bureaucracy, working as a team to deliver results. WBK has long been committed to community, inclusion, and service, with attorneys and staff devoting substantial time and energy to volunteerism, civic and community leadership, charitable giving, pro bono work, mentoring, service on nonprofit boards, teaching, and more. These activities are not just permitted but actively encouraged and supported at WBK.
To sustain and enhance these unique firm qualities, we seek candidates who have balanced excellence in law school and career achievements with a personal commitment to advance the legal profession and serve the broader community. The ideal candidate will bring a strong work ethic, team-oriented ethos, and a healthy, perhaps even irreverent, sense of humor.

Compensation and Benefits: Summer Associate compensation will be $3,942 per week in DC or Austin or $3,557 per week in Denver. As a seasonal employee, you will not be eligible for any firm benefits.

Commitment to Diversity: WBK has long been committed to providing all of our team members with an environment that allows each individual to reach their full potential in their own unique way. Our team invests in our communities with attorneys and staff devoting substantial time and energy to pro bono work, volunteerism, civic and community leadership, charitable giving, mentoring, service on nonprofit boards, teaching, and more. These activities are actively encouraged and supported throughout WBK.

WBK is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic background, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or veteran status.

We look forward to meeting you.

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
Entry Level Associate – Fall 2027
Washington DC | Denver CO | Austin TX

To apply, please complete an application here and attach one .pdf containing your cover letter, resume, transcript (including class rank), and writing sample. Deadline for submission is June 15, 2026.

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP seeks an entry-level associate with zero to two years of experience for its top-tier communications, energy and technology practice. This position is to begin in Fall 2027 and may be located in our Washington, DC, Denver, Colorado or Austin, Texas office. Applicants should possess outstanding academic credentials, superb writing ability, excellent analytical skills, and sound judgment. We provide competitive compensation and benefits, excellent partnership prospects, and an enjoyable, inclusive, good-natured work environment.

Our Firm
Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP (WBK), one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a “Band 1” firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory) and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory. WBK is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law six times by Best Lawyers Best Law Firm (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2025), and is recognized as a “Silver Band” firm for prosecution and strategy in DC and a “Bronze Band” firm in litigation and enforcement in DC in the 2026 edition of the World Trademark Review 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. The firm, with offices in Washington, DC, Denver, Colorado, and Austin, Texas, advises clients ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups in regulatory, transactional, privacy, consumer protection, intellectual property, corporate and litigation matters involving all aspects of communications and energy law, at both the state and federal levels. To learn more about Wilkinson Barker Knauer, visit www.wbklaw.com.

WBK is a special place to practice law; we mean it when we say we are #notjustanotherlawfirm. With over 80 attorneys and advisors, the firm provides the quality of representation and client base typically associated with a large firm, with the personal style only a smaller firm can deliver. Each day, we work together for both the common good of the group and the common goal of building and maintaining a nationally recognized legal practice. We highly value collaboration, supporting each other personally and professionally using our individual talents and expertise. WBK has long been committed to providing all of our team members with an environment that allows each individual to reach their full potential in their own unique way. Our team invests in our communities with attorneys and staff devoting substantial time and energy to pro bono work, volunteerism, civic and community leadership, charitable giving, mentoring, service on nonprofit boards, teaching, and more. These activities are actively encouraged and supported throughout WBK.
To sustain and enhance these unique firm qualities, we seek candidates who have balanced excellence in law school and career achievements with a personal commitment to advance the legal profession and serve the broader community. The ideal candidate will bring a strong work ethic, team-oriented ethos, and a healthy, perhaps even irreverent, sense of humor.

Compensation and Benefits: Associates’ annual base compensation is based on a lockstep scale and ranges from $185,000 – $210,000. Associates are eligible for an annual bonus based on their performance during the preceding 12 months. In addition to compensation and bonuses, Associates are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance; short term disability; long term disability insurance; life insurance; accidental death or dismemberment insurance; travel insurance; employee assistance plan; a 401(k) plan; profit sharing (once eligible); parental leave; vacation/personal leave; wireless phone service allowance, and coverage of bar association dues consistent with WBK policies. Associates can also make pre-tax contributions for transportation, parking, dependent care, and a health savings account (if enrolled in a high deductible medical plan). All benefits listed above are subject to change at the discretion of WBK.

Administrative Openings

Administrative Openings (1)

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP

Regulatory Paralegal (Denver, CO)

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP a top-tier regulatory practice with offices in Washington, DC, Denver, CO, and Austin, TX seeks a Regulatory Paralegal based in its Denver, CO office. This is a non-exempt position with a 40 hour work week and the need for occasional overtime. Once trained, the Paralegal will be afforded the opportunity to work remotely two days each week. We provide competitive compensation and benefits and foster an enjoyable, good-natured, supportive work environment. If you are a self-starter with a keen intellect, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a good sense of humor, there is no better place to work.

How to Apply:

To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter HERE.

Job Description:

This position reports to the Human Resources Manager and provides paralegal assistance to support a number of attorneys in the energy practice group. The following is not a comprehensive list of responsibilities. Responsibilities may be added or changed at any time with or without notice, as deemed necessary by the firm.

Review and update regulatory proceedings and orders, including docket tracking and status updates.
Prepare, file, and serve regulatory filings, discovery, and other documents as requested, including electronic filing and service.
Maintain procedural calendars and deadlines; update service lists; review Commission orders for required action.
Participate in client status/strategy meetings; monitor hearings, workshops, and Commission meetings; prepare notes and summaries.
Conduct legal and regulatory research on rules, procedures, and relevant processes in state and federal administrative agencies and courts.
Compile relevant industry news and update newsletters/digests for clients and internal teams.
Cite-check, proofread, and maintain document templates; provide general litigation and administrative support.
Prepare and file regulatory and court filings and related compliance submissions for federal and state courts, state utility commissions, the FCC and the FERC.
Administer and monitor requirements and compliance with confidentiality and protective order rules in state and federal administrative proceedings.
Prepare, update, and upload documents to SharePoint sites.
Save final documents to NetDocs and electronic client files.
Prepare deposition plans and schedules.

Qualifications:

A strong candidate will have these essential qualifications

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Possess an ardent desire to see things through and take pride in the results produced.
Be well organized, energetic, and driven.
Keen attention to detail and excellent proofreading skills.
Capacity to balance day-to-day work challenges and manage multiple projects successfully while working under tight deadlines with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities.
A self-starter with the ability to think and work independently.

Education and Experience:

Requires a college degree or two (2) years’ experience in a law firm. Paralegal experience in regulatory law strongly preferred.
Requires experience and proficiency in Teams, Adobe, Microsoft Office Suite, and Windows 11.
Experience with e-sign platforms (i.e. document management systems (i.e., NetDocs or similar platform) and legal timekeeping platforms (i.e., LMS) strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

Denver Paralegal compensation can range from $60,000-$80,000 based on years of experience. Staff are eligible for a discretionary bonus based on their performance during the preceding 12 months. In addition to compensation and bonuses, full-time staff are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long term disability insurance; accidental death or dismemberment insurance; short term disability insurance; travel insurance; a 401(k) plan; profit sharing (once eligible); parental leave; vacation/personal leave; pre-tax payment/contributions for transportation, parking, and dependent care; and a health savings account (if enrolled in a high deductible medical plan). All benefits listed above are subject to change at the discretion of the Partnership.

About Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP

Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP (WBK), one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a “Band 1” firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory) and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory). WBK is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law six times by Best Lawyers Best Law Firm (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2025), and is recognized as a “Silver Band” firm for prosecution and strategy in DC and a “Bronze Band” firm in litigation and enforcement in DC in the 2026 edition of the World Trademark Review 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. The firm, with offices in Washington, DC, Denver, Colorado, and Austin, Texas, advises clients ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups in regulatory, transactional, privacy, consumer protection, intellectual property, corporate and litigation matters involving all aspects of
communications and energy law, at both the state and federal levels. To learn more about Wilkinson Barker Knauer, visit www.wbklaw.com.

WBK is a special place to work; we mean it when we say we are #notjustanotherlawfirm. With over 80 attorneys and advisors, the firm provides the quality of representation and client base typically associated with a large firm, with the personal style only a smaller firm can deliver. Each day, we work together for both the common good of the group and the common goal of building and maintaining a nationally recognized legal practice. We highly value collaboration, supporting each other personally and professionally using our individual talents and expertise. WBK has long been committed to providing all of our team members with an environment that allows each individual to reach their full potential in their own unique way. Our team invests in our communities with attorneys and staff devoting substantial time and energy to pro bono work, volunteerism, civic and community leadership, charitable giving, mentoring, service on nonprofit boards, teaching, and more. These activities are actively encouraged and supported throughout WBK.

We look forward to meeting you.

The Application Process

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a writing sample via Paycom link.

The interview process generally consists of an initial screening interview, as well as a call-back interview to meet with other associates and partners. Candidates should bring copies of their references to the initial screening interview, as well as an updated résumé and/or transcript, to the extent information has become outdated or was not previously provided. Reasonable travel expenses will be compensated for call-back interviews, which generally last several hours in either a morning or afternoon session.

New Associates

Wilkinson Barker seeks to extend offers for permanent positions as early as possible during the fall, generally by December 1. Based on which office they will be associated with, all new associates are required to become members of the D.C. Bar, Colorado Bar, or Texas Bar, either by examination or waiver.

Entry-level Associates typically join the firm in late August or early September, following completion of their bar exam. The firm provides a stipend to assist with living expenses, bar preparation, and exam expenses after graduation and prior to their start date with the firm.

The entry-level salary for new attorneys is set each year at competitive levels.

In addition to compensation and bonuses, Associates are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; accidental death or dismemberment insurance; short term disability insurance; long term disability insurance; travel insurance; 401(k) plan; profit sharing (once eligible); parental leave; vacation/personal leave; wireless phone service allowance; coverage of bar association dues consistent with WBK policies; pre-tax payment/contributions for transportation, parking, and dependent care; and a health savings account (if enrolled in a high deductible medical plan). All benefits listed above are subject to change at the discretion of the Partnership.

Summer Associate Program

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP posts for our Summer Associate Program in early spring each year. This program is for candidates the summer before their final year of law school (e.g., the 2L-3L summer for students on the traditional three-year law school track). The firm also accepts applications for summer associate positions.

Law Clerk Opportunities

The hiring of law clerks is done on a case-by-case basis.

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We have used the firm for over 70 years. They have expanded their areas of expertise with technology, but have always retained remarkable responsiveness and very high cost effectiveness.

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