Fall 2024 Entry Level Associate

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.

We look forward to meeting you.