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 “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 five times by Best Lawyers® (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021). 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.
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.
