Careers

Lateral Openings

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP

SENIOR ASSOCIATE (CORPORATE / TRANSACTIONAL)
Denver, CO or Washington DC

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a “First Tier” firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory), and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory), and is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law five times by U.S. News – Best Lawyers (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021). The firm, with offices in Washington, DC, and Denver, Colorado, 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.

Our Ideal Candidate

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, seeks a senior corporate associate to join its busy and expanding corporate and transactional practice.  The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, venture/private equity financings and corporate governance.  Experience or interest with commercial and technology transactions or project development and finance is also relevant.  This opportunity is highly client-facing, so the ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent communications skills, client responsiveness and initiative.  This position can be based in either Denver, Colorado or Washington, D.C.

WBK’s deep ties in the communications and energy industries lead to exciting opportunities in our transactional practice, which blends traditional corporate finance and M&A with infrastructure development and related commercial transactions.  The ideal candidate will have an interest in exploring these industries and working closely with regulatory colleagues to structure cutting edge deals. For the right candidate, this opening is a chance to join a team with a rapidly growing client base, to develop deep relationships with clients as a trusted advisor, and to develop the candidate’s professional skills and interests.  An incoming senior associate will likely have the opportunity to work on venture capital financings and acquisitions, private equity investments that leverage broadband and renewable energy subsidies, development and acquisition of fiber/cellular and renewable energy assets, energy and communications agreements for Fortune 100 companies, and a range of corporate and commercial transactions.

Our Firm

WBK is a special place to practice law.  We mean it when we say we are #notjustanotherlawfirm.  With 65 attorneys, the firm offers clients the capabilities and expertise of a large firm combined 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, WBK lawyers must be flexible and creative, adapting to provide the highest quality service.  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.  We welcome candidates from either the private or public sector; WBK has substantial experience onboarding those leaving government service for private practice.

Compensation and Benefits:  Associates’ annual base compensation is based on a lock‑step scale and ranges from $200,000 to $250,000.  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; 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.

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.

To apply, please complete an application HERE and attach .pdf versions of your cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample.

Associate Openings

Entry Level Associate – Fall 2024
Washington DC | Denver CO

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP seeks an entry-level associate with zero to two years of experience for its top-tier communications regulatory practice. This position is to begin in Fall 2024 and may be resident in our Washington, DC or Denver, Colorado 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.

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a “First Tier” firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory), and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory), and is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law five times by U.S. News – Best Lawyers (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021). The firm, with offices in Washington, DC, and Denver, Colorado, 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.

WBK is a special place to practice law; we mean it when we say we are #notjustanotherlawfirm. With 65 attorneys, 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: Associates’ annual base compensation is based on a lockstep scale and ranges from $170,000 to $250,000. 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 the Partnership.

Commitment to Diversity:  WBK recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion among our lawyers, other professionals, and staff, as well as in the legal profession generally. We are one of the few firms led by an LGBTQIA+ Managing Partner, and our Administrative Partner is a woman. We are committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of our client base and our communities, and we believe that a culture of inclusion significantly enhances our ability to provide superior legal services to our clients.  WBK received Diversity Lab’s designation of Mansfield Certified Plus for 2020-2022 and we are participating in a new Midsize Mansfield cohort for 2022-2023. Mansfield Certification underscores WBK’s efforts to increase diversity in leadership pipelines within midsize law firms by broadening the pool of women lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, lawyers with disabilities, and lawyers from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are considered for entry-level and lateral attorney job openings, firm governance opportunities, equity partner promotions, and opportunities to connect with clients. Mansfield Certification is just one indicator of WBK’s broad, strategic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at our firm and in the legal profession.

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.

To be considered, please submit the following four items via .pdf format: 1) cover letter, 2)  resume, 3) law school transcript, and 4) writing sample HERE .  Please upload transcript and writing sample under “Cover Letter” in the application portal.

We look forward to meeting you.

2L Summer Associate – Summer 2024 Washington DC | Denver CO

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP seeks a 2L Summer Associate for its top-tier communications regulatory practice. This is a 10-week position during the summer of 2024, and the selected candidate will be expected to work primarily in person and may select either our Washington, DC or Denver, Colorado office.  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.

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a “First Tier” firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory), and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory), and is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law five times by U.S. News – Best Lawyers (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021). The firm, with offices in Washington, DC, and Denver, Colorado, 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.

WBK is a special place to practice law; we mean it when we say we are #notjustanotherlawfirm. With 65 attorneys, 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 $3,654 per week in DC or $3,270 per week in Denver.  As a seasonal employee, you will not be eligible for any firm benefits.

Commitment to Diversity:  WBK recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion among our lawyers, other professionals, and staff, as well as in the legal profession generally. We are one of the few firms led by an LGBTQIA+ Managing Partner, and our Administrative Partner is a woman. We are committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of our client base and our communities, and we believe that a culture of inclusion significantly enhances our ability to provide superior legal services to our clients.  WBK received Diversity Lab’s designation of Mansfield Certified Plus for 2020-2022 and we are participating in a new Midsize Mansfield cohort for 2022-2023. Mansfield Certification underscores WBK’s efforts to increase diversity in leadership pipelines within midsize law firms by broadening the pool of women lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, lawyers with disabilities, and lawyers from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are considered for entry-level and lateral attorney job openings, firm governance opportunities, equity partner promotions, and opportunities to connect with clients. Mansfield Certification is just one indicator of WBK’s broad, strategic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at our firm and in the legal profession.

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.

To be considered, please submit the following four items via .pdf format: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, 3) law school transcript, and 4) writing sample  HERE  Please load transcript and writing sample under “Cover Letter” in the application portal.

We look forward to meeting you.

Administrative Openings

Legal Administrative Assistant
Washington, DC

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP seeks a Legal Administrative Assistant for its Washington, DC office. This is a non-exempt position with a 37.50-hour work week and the need for occasional overtime.  Once trained, the Legal Administrative Assistant will be afforded the opportunity to work remotely two days each week, as approved by the Human Resources Manager.  We provide competitive compensation and benefits and foster an enjoyable, good-natured, supportive work environment.

How to Apply:

To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter click here

Job Description:

This position reports to the Human Resources Manager and provides high-level administrative support to a number of attorneys.  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.

• Maintain attorneys’ calendars by planning and scheduling meetings, both in person and virtual, and travel logistics.
• Assist with legal pleadings, presentations, summaries, and electronic filings with agencies.
• Maintain and update attorney contacts and filing systems, both paper and electronic.
• Circulate conflict check emails; monitor responses, open new matters, and assist with preparation of engagement letters.
• Properly record attorney time entries and adhere to all related deadlines.
• Assist with the monthly client billing process.
• Undertake occasional research projects.
• Provide backup coverage to the Receptionist, as necessary.
• Prepare check requests for expense and travel reimbursements and maintain Excel document summary of reimbursement submissions.
• Draft and type general correspondence, memos, charts, tables, graphs, etc. Proofread drafts for spelling, grammar, and format consistency, making changes when appropriate. Responsible for the accuracy and clarity of final copies.
• Format documents, convert PDFs to Word, and create Tables of Content and Tables of Authorities.
• Maintain accurate records of professional memberships, bar associations, and related attorney activities.
• Prepare news and regulatory update emails for distribution to attorneys.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university or a minimum of four years of relevant experience.  Law firm experience preferred.

Qualifications:

To be successful in this position, the Legal Administrative Assistant must maintain strict confidentiality and possess an ardent desire to see things through and take pride in the results produced. This position requires strong attention to detail and organizational skills.  The ideal candidate must possess the capacity to balance day-to-day work challenges and manage multiple projects successfully while working under tight deadlines with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities.  It is imperative this candidate possess independent and critical thinking skills.  Experience (and proficiency) in Teams, Adobe, and Microsoft Office Suite required.  Experience with document management systems (i.e., NetDocs or similar platform), Contact Ease, and legal timekeeping and expense platforms (i.e., LMS) strongly preferred.

About Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP:

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated primarily to the practice of communications and energy law, is ranked as a “First Tier” firm by Chambers USA (Telecom, Broadcast, and Satellite: Regulatory), and Legal 500 (Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory), and is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law five times by U.S. News – Best Lawyers (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021). The firm, with offices in Washington, DC, and Denver, Colorado, 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.

WBK has long been committed to community, inclusion, and service, 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 at WBK through our DEI Committee, Wellness Committee, WBK Best Committee, and our Women’s Initiative.

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.

To learn more about Wilkinson Barker Knauer, visit www.wbklaw.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@WBKLaw).

We look forward to meeting you.