Political Law Associate – Washington, D.C.

Ballard Spahr LLP is seeking a highly qualified associate to join our nationally recognized Political Law team in Washington, D.C. Qualified candidates will have 4 to 6 years’ relevant experience providing strategic counsel and compliance advice to clients on matters related to lobbying and public policy, campaign finance, gift and entertainment rules pay-to-play laws and non-profit law. Congressional investigations experience would be a plus.

Our highly respected team provides sophisticated legal counsel to a diverse clientele on a nonpartisan basis, including corporations, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, political committees, candidates, and officeholders. Ideal applicants will enjoy working on a wide variety of matters in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with significant client interaction. Strong written and oral communication skills, organization, and teamwork are essential in this position. This is an excellent opportunity for long-term professional growth in a collegial environment of a national firm. Active bar license in DC, or the ability to waive in immediately, is required.

How to Apply:

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth.

To apply, please submit your resume, transcript, writing sample, and cover letter (optional) through our online application system. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is from $250,000 – $320,000, which reflects the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location. In addition to the salary for this position, lawyers may be eligible for an incentive bonus program and/or a profit-sharing bonus program. Effective January 1, 2027, the annual salary range for this position will be $270,000 to $330,000.

Ballard Spahr also offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, short and long-term disability, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid time off, ten paid holidays and an employee assistance program. A detailed summary of available benefits can be found here on our Careers website.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. 

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

SEARCH FIRMS: We are accepting search firm submissions for this position from search firms with which we have active fee agreements in place. Please contact Zachary Ottoson at ottosonz@ballardspahr.com for candidate submissions.