Careers

With over 70 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
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Lateral Openings

At such time as there are lateral openings at the firm, that information will be posted here.

 

Associate Openings
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Associate Openings

ENTRY LEVEL / JUNIOR ASSOCIATE
(Energy – Administrative Litigation, Policy, and Transactions)

Austin, TX

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

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), and is recognized as a “Bronze Band” firm in the World Trademark Review 1000. 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). 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.

Our Ideal Candidate

WBK’s Austin office seeks an entry level or junior associate (with zero to two years of experience) to join its busy and expanding energy regulatory practice.  The Austin-based energy practice has a national scope, with a particular focus on Texas and New Mexico, including regulatory litigation, regulatory policy, and transactions.  Applicants must be licensed in Texas or have plans to become licensed in Texas in 2024.   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.

WBK is a national leader in energy regulatory litigation and policy, and transactions. We routinely represent some of the largest, Fortune-500 investor-owned utilities, energy developers, and large customers in state public utilities commission proceedings across the country, including some of the most transformative integrated resource plans, clean energy plans, transmission projects, and ratemaking cases.  In addition to serving as administrative litigation counsel for an impressive suite of utility clients, we provide strategic policy, regulatory, legislative, and transactional advice and support, often working at the forefront of some of the most complex policy issues in the nation.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for exploring these issues and working closely with colleagues and client subject matter experts. For the right candidate, this opening is a chance to join a team with a rapidly growing client base and geographical presence, to develop deep relationships with clients as a trusted advisor, and to develop the candidate’s professional skills and interests.

Our Firm

WBK is a special place to practice law.  We mean it when we say we are #notjustanotherlawfirm.  With over 70 attorneys and advisors, including former state and federal commissioners and staff, the firm offers clients the capabilities and expertise of a large firm combined with the personal style and agency expertise only a boutique 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 $170,000-$250,000, depending on year and geographic location.  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.

 

Administrative Openings
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Administrative Openings

Policy Analyst (Washington, DC)

Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP a top-tier regulatory practice with offices in Washington, DC, Denver, CO, and Austin, TX seeks a Policy Analyst based in its Washington, DC office.  This is a non-exempt position with a 40-hour work week, the need for occasional overtime, and the potential to work remote up to two days each week.  We provide competitive compensation and benefits, engaging projects, and an enjoyable, good-natured work environment.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit one pdf containing your resume, cover letter, transcript, and writing sample HERE .

Job Responsibilities

The Policy Analyst collaborates closely with attorneys in our Washington, DC, Denver, CO, and Austin, TX offices to perform the following tasks.  Other responsibilities may be changed or assigned depending on expertise and workload, as deemed necessary by the Firm:

  • Provide research and analysis of regulatory, legislative, and industry developments across a range of issues in the technology, media, and communications sectors
  • Provide situational awareness to the Firm and clients about notable developments in the technology, media and communications sectors
  • Attend in person or monitor remotely Congressional hearings, government agency meetings, and relevant industry events, providing detailed written summaries for internal use by attorneys or for client updates in the technology, media, and communications sectors.
  • Maintain internal documents and materials to facilitate coordination and coverage of various events
  • Assist in the preparation of periodic reports on a variety of technology, media and communications policy issues
  • Conduct non-legal research (e., market data, industry trends, legislative research, etc.)
  • Prepare PowerPoint presentations for speaking engagements

Education and/or Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree.  Two years of experience in a relevant field is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

  • curious and eager to learn new skills, creative, well organized, energetic, outgoing, positive, dependable, a self-starter, and flexible for overtime
  • strong writing and reading comprehension skills, exemplary verbal and written communications skills, strong attention to detail, advanced analytical skills, and sound judgment
  • computer literate, with proficiencies in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
  • proficient in managing and tracking social media content across multiple platforms
  • meet deadlines under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously, both as an individual and as part of a team

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is based on years of experience; the range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000 annually.  Policy Analysts 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, 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), and is recognized as a “Silver Band firm in the World Trademark Review 1000.  WBK is the only firm to be named “Law Firm of the Year” in communications law six times by Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2025).  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 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.

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.

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.