Energy Regulatory (FERC) Paralegal

Van Ness Feldman’s well-established, nationally recognized Energy practice is seeking a Paralegal to support a high-volume, technically sophisticated Energy Regulatory team based in Washington, DC. This is a specialized role for someone who understands the mechanics of FERC filings, eTariff processes, and reports on energy market transactions as well as supporting associated administrative and court litigation matters.

The successful candidate will be embedded in matters that directly impact energy infrastructure, compliance, and regulatory outcomes across the U.S.

Who We Are

Van Ness Feldman’s nationally regarded Energy Regulatory practice provides strategic counsel to all sectors of the electric, natural gas, and hydropower industries. The firm works with a wide swath of the energy industry, including electric generators, power marketers, utilities, municipalities, transmission providers, natural gas pipeline companies, and hydroelectric developers.

We help clients effectively navigate complex legal, regulatory, policy, transactional and litigation issues, while placing an emphasis on optimizing strategic planning, operations, and revenues. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, our attorneys facilitate early identification of risks and opportunities and translate those assessments into decisive commercial advantages for our clients.

What You’ll Do

In this high-impact role, you’ll

• Join a high-performing Energy Regulatory group working on complex, high-visibility matters
• Prepare, review, and file documents with FERC, including eFilings, MBR Portal submissions, and eTariff submissions (Systrends or similar platforms)
• Support state and federal regulatory proceedings within the energy sector
• Manage and organize documentation of wholesale energy market transactions
• Conduct cite-checking, proofreading, and quality control on regulatory filings and legal documents
• Coordinate exhibits, appendices, and supporting materials for filings
• Track deadlines, filing requirements, and maintain matter organization systems
• Perform basic regulatory research (FERC eLibrary, CFR requirements, procedural updates)
• Monitor and track changes to FERC rules, procedures, and eTariff standards
• Monitor and track developments at the Pipeline Safety and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA), including enforcement proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, and court proceedings, and prepare and make PHMSA filings.
• Maintain internal templates, checklists, and workflows to support consistency and execution

Skills and Qualifications

Role Specific Skills and Experience

The most highly qualified candidates will have

• Experience supporting energy regulatory or energy transactional legal work
• Hands-on experience with FERC filings, including eTariff submissions (Systrends, Tariff Shark, or similar required) and MBR Portal submissions
• Strong understanding of FERC Rules of Practice & Procedure and administrative litigation support
• Familiarity with PHMSA proceedings and filings

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced document skills (Microsoft Word formatting, styles, document management systems like SharePoint/FileSite)
• Ability to operate in a detail-driven, deadline-sensitive environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent oral communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly, directly, and practically with clients and colleagues
• Paralegal certification is a plus
• Interest or experience leveraging AI tools to improve workflow efficiency

About Us

Van Ness Feldman is a nationally recognized law firm focused on energy, environmental, and natural resources law and policy. Home to 100 attorneys and policy professionals, the Firm has offices in Washington, DC; Seattle; the Bay Area; Houston; and Louisiana.

For nearly 50 years, the Firm has provided strategic business advice, legislative and policy advocacy, legal and regulatory compliance counsel, representation in administrative proceedings and litigation, and support for project development, permitting, and transactions.

In addition to joining an active and highly collaborative team, the candidate will be part of a Firm that is committed to supporting a healthy work/life balance. Professional staff are expected to be in the office at least three days a week / twelve days a month, but scheduling is flexible. The culture at VNF relies on mutual respect, appreciation, and support.

A focus on professional development is central, including regular feedback and training opportunities. VNF seeks individuals who share this approach and bring a collaborative mindset and take pride in thoughtful, high-quality work.

Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For this position, the good-faith annual base salary range is $80,000 - $110,000 depending on experience, qualifications, and office location. In addition to base salary, compensation may include a bonus based on hours and other applicable criteria.

The Firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) profit-sharing plan, paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, life and disability insurance, employee assistance resources, and professional development opportunities.

Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact recruiting@vnf.com.