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.
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the initial screening interview, as well as an updated résumé and/or transcript, to the extent information has become outdated or was not previously provided.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 through the FCBA’s Diversity Pipeline program, Colorado Pledge to Diversity program, and certain other specific programs.
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.
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