Job Board

Appellate Litigation Attorney

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel

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Washington, District of Columbia, United States

 

GS -11/14 DOE

 

Salary $85,447-$187,093 per year DOE

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

BAR MEMBERSHIP: Currently an active member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and must maintain that status throughout the course of employment.

CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States.

EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full course of study (JD) in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

 

Preferred Experience: Appeals, Strong writing skills, Ability to handle high case loads, previous law clerk experience, appellate litigation, appeals, oral advocacy, journal, law review, writing fellow, JAG, Veterans law, and/or previous Moot court participation.

 

Summary:

 

The mission of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is to identify and meet the legal needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its primary objective is to ensure the just and faithful execution of the laws, regulations and policies that the Secretary has responsibility for administering, and by so doing enable the Department to accomplish its mission of service to our Nation's veterans.

 

The General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs issues written legal opinions having precedential effect in adjudications and appeals involving veterans' benefits under laws administered by VA. The General Counsel's interpretations on legal matters, contained in such opinions, are conclusive as to all VA officials and employees not only in the matter at issue but also in future adjudications and appeals, in the absence of a change in controlling statute or regulation, Court decision, or a superseding written legal opinion of the General Counsel. VA provides these opinions in order to give the public notice of those interpretations of the General Counsel that must be followed in future benefit matters and to assist veterans' benefit claimants and their representatives in the prosecution of benefit claim.

 

About the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)

 

In enacting the Veterans' Judicial Review Act (Pub. L. No. 100-687) on November 18, 1988, Congress created a special federal court of appeals under Article I of the U.S. Constitution for veterans and their families. Originally named the United States Court of Veterans Appeals (COVA), its name was later changed by the Veterans' Programs Enhancement Act of 1998 (Pub. L. No. 105-368).

 

The CAVC sits in Washington, D.C. Its judges are appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate, for 15-year terms. The law that created the CAVC can be found in chapter 72 of title 38, United States Code.

 

The CAVC is an independent federal court. It is not part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nearly 8,500 new appeals were filed with the Court last year. In cases coming before the CAVC, the person seeking benefits from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is called the appellant. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is called the appellee in these cases, and is represented before the CAVC by attorneys in the Veterans Court Litigation Group of VA’s Office of the General Counsel.

 

The CAVC reviews final decisions of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). Only the person seeking VA benefits may appeal. Most cases appealed to the CAVC deal with entitlement to disability or survivor benefits, or the amount of compensation for those benefits, but some deal with education assistance, medical care, life insurance, home loan foreclosure, or waiver of indebtedness.

 

Because the CAVC is a court of appeals, it does not conduct trials or take new evidence. It bases its review on the same evidence that was before the BVA when the BVA rendered the decision being appealed. In the majority of cases decided by the CAVC, the appellant has retained an attorney or a non-attorney practitioner who is versed in veterans law. Many attorney and non-attorney practitioners provide their legal services free of charge. There is a Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program that recruits and trains volunteer attorneys to assist appellants who are unable to find representation.

 

About the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Litigation Group

 

The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Litigation Group of VA’s Office of General Counsel represents the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in all cases brought before the CAVC. It is the largest professional staff group in the Office of the General Counsel. With nearly 150 people and growing, the group includes approximately 95 appellate attorneys, 20 supervisors, and a support staff of paralegals, legal assistants, and clerks.

 

Our practice consists largely of legal research and writing, including:

Appellate briefs, procedural motions, legal memoranda, responses to petitions for extraordinary relief and requests for class action, and responses to applications for attorney fees and expenses filed under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412, Briefing conferences, facilitated by the CAVC’s Central Legal Staff, are held in most cases. There is frequent interaction with opposing counsel, from record development to the negotiation of fees.

 

Oral argument is also an important part of each appellate attorney’s practice. Hundreds cases have been argued before the Court in the CAVC’s courtroom in Washington, D.C., and others have been showcased in arguments conducted at law schools throughout the country. Unlike other agencies, our attorneys are lead counsel and argue the cases in Federal court.

• Each appellate attorney maintains a full caseload for which he or she is fully accountable to the CAVC and to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Law student interns work closely with the appellate attorneys in all aspects of their cases. Legal assistants and clerks perform vital support functions, including preparation of the record of evidence for use in the litigation, operation of the group’s docket room, and numerous case-tracking tasks.

 

Desired Skills & Experience

• Appeals, Strong writing skills, Ability to handle high case loads, previous law clerk experience, appellate litigation, appeals, oral advocacy, journal, law review, writing fellow, JAG, Veterans law, and/or previous Moot court participation.

 

Why work at VA OGC?

• Start as GS 11-14 based on experience level; Journeyman grade GS-14

• Opportunities for advancement towards GS-15 and SES positions

• Leadership development programs offered annually

• OGC offers CLE (Continuing Legal Education) qualified programs 

• Opportunities to perform pro bono work*

• No requirement to purchase professional liability insurance

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Please submit resume to: Trevor Falnes National Talent Acquisition Consultant  

Office of General Counsel (OGC)

US Department of Veterans Affairs

619-578-9141 | trevor.falnes@va.gov 

Clinical Faculty (Open Rank) – Non-Tenure Track – UIC Law

 

Hiring Department: UIC Law

Location:  Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1041883

Posting Close Date: October 20, 2026

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $135,000 (assistant professor) - $155,000 (professor). Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

 

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

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This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

 

Position Summary

Teach law students in the classroom or other settings at the J.D. level. Direct and oversee the daily operations of the Veterans Clinic and teach the Veterans Clinic seminar. Promote excellence at the UIC School of Law.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach law students in the classroom or other settings at the J.D.

• Engage in internal and external service activities, including attending law school and University meetings, serving on law school and University committees, participating in scholarly organizations or organizations related to the legal profession, delivering presentations, and providing other services to the academy, community, or legal profession.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school or its equivalent from a foreign country.

• Past full-time law teaching experience

• Demonstrated experience with online curricula development.

• Demonstrated ability to handle situations with sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor students.

• Record of teaching excellence in a clinical setting or demonstrated potential to become an excellent clinical teacher and administrator.

• Demonstrated interest in serving at an urban, public, Research 1 university.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to mentor students.

• Experience as a law school administrator.

• Experience teaching and directing a law school clinic.

• At least two (2) years teaching or supervising in a law school setting or supervising in a law practice.

 

The budgeted salary for the position is $135,000 (assistant professor) - $155,000 (professor). Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

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Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will be ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, apply online https://jobs.uic.edu by August 31, 2026. Include (upload) a .pdf copy of your letter of intent, a current CV/resume, and the names of 3 professional references.

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Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

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The University does not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race (ethnicity), color, religion, sex, pregnancy, disability, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), arrest record status, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a protected veteran (military status) and complies with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

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The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcement No.: 26-13
Issuing Date: July 13, 2026
Closing Date: Open until filled

 

Position: Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Scott J. Laurer
Flexible Term, Start Date in October 2026
Court Schedule: CS 11/12/13 (equivalent GS 11/12/13)
Note: Preference will be given to veterans; proof of eligibility must be submitted with application.

 

Summary: The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has exclusive jurisdiction over decisions of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board). The Court reviews Board decisions appealed by claimants who believe the Board erred in its decision. The Court’s review of Board decisions is based on the record before the agency and arguments of the parties, which are presented in written briefs, with oral argument generally held only in cases presenting new legal issues.

 

Conditions of Employment: Background security investigation is required for all new hires. Appointment is subject to successful completion of fingerprinting and background security investigation. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. Appointment and continuing service are also subject to the applicant residing within 35 miles of the Court.

 

Note: Judge requires a 24-month commitment from the law clerk. This term may be extended by mutual agreement, and it can also convert to a career clerk position. Chambers is using a hybrid work schedule, combining remote and in-office work, which may be subject to change.

 

Who May Apply: Applicants with at least 1 year of veteran’s law experience, such as experience gained through law school clinics, judicial internships, externships, or employment involving veterans’ benefits law.

This appointment is excepted service, made without regard to Title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service.

 

Qualification Requirements: To qualify for the judicial law clerk position, a person must (1) be a law school graduate no later than date of appointment, (2) have taken or sat for the bar exam in any jurisdiction before start date, (3) have legal work experience practicing veteran’s law for at least 1 year, and (4) have demonstrated at least one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:

• Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;

• Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;

• Experience working in the judiciary; or

• Proficiency in legal practice or studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above.

Position Grade Levels: Current salary range including Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA Locality Pay, as of issuing date, is:

• CS 11 ($85,447 - $111,087)

• CS 12 ($102,415 - $133,142)

• CS 13 ($121,785 - $158,322)

Bar membership is required for appointment at the CS 12 or 13 level. One year of legal work experience is required for appointment at the CS 12 level. Two years of legal work experience is required for appointment at the CS 13 level. After successful completion of performance standards for 2 years at the CS 13 level, promotion to CS 14 level is available, subject to Court policies.

Legal Work Experience: Legal work experience for this position means progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal writing, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school.

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Instructions for Applying: Application must include the following material:

1. Cover letter

2. Resume

3. Law school and (if applicable) graduate transcripts

4. Self-edited writing sample, 10 pages maximum

5. List of references with contact information

6. Completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment, available at www.uscourts.cavc.gov/documents/of306.pdf)

 

Submit application to Judge Laurer’s Confidential Assistant, Mr. Ed McGugin, at emcgugin@uscourts.cavc.gov. Email applications in .pdf format and combined in one attachment.

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Announcement No.: 26-10
Issuing Date: 04/22/2026
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Position: Staff Attorney [multiple positions]

 

Pay: Court Schedule (CS) 12/13/14 (equivalent to GS 12/13/14; salary range including Washington-Baltimore 2026 Locality Pay is $102,415 to $187,093).

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
This appointment is made without regard to Title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service. All appointments are excepted service.

A background security investigation will be required. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of fingerprinting and a favorably adjudicated background security investigation. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Veterans Information: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letters or resumes and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release, or Discharge from Active Duty) to their submissions.

Area of Consideration: Nationwide – The Court does not pay relocation expenses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The staff attorney position is in the Court's Central Legal Staff, which is located in the Office of the Clerk of the Court. The duties and responsibilities of the position are performed under the general supervision of the Chief Staff Attorney and include, but are not limited to the following:

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• Conducting conferences with the litigating parties, using mediation techniques, to explore the possibility of settlement or to narrow the issues to be briefed; to settle applications for attorney fees and expenses; and to resolve disputes over the content of the record on appeal;

• Analyzing case materials and drafting procedural orders for Judges and the Clerk of the Court;

• Responding to inquiries from Judges and others about Court cases, including screening appeals and petitions and researching and preparing memoranda of law;•Performing other legal duties, as required.

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QUALIFICATIONS
The selectee must have:

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• A professional law degree (juris doctor (J.D.)) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be an active member of the bar of the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or a territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States within the meaning of 48 U.S.C. § 1904(e)(5).

• Progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school. Applicants must have two years of post-J.D. legal work experience to qualify for grade 12, three years of post-J.D. legal work experience to qualify for grade 13, or four years of post-J.D. legal work experience to qualify for grade 14. One year must be at, or equivalent to, the next lower grade in the federal service.

• Experience in veterans' benefits law is required.

Note: Mediation experience, a judicial clerkship, and experience in court operations or administration is beneficial but not required.

Educational Substitutions: A masters of law (LL.M.) degree is equivalent to one year of legal work experience.
Promotion Potential: This position will be filled at CS-12, 13, or 14, dependent on the successful applicant's level of experience. The position may have promotion potential up to CS-14 without further competition, subject to satisfactory performance and compliance with applicable Court policies.
Note: Selectee will be subject to a two-year probationary period.

Instructions for Applying: Applications must include the following materials:

1. .Cover letter;

2. Resume;

3. Completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment) (available on the Court's website at www.uscourts.cavc.gov under Employment);

4. Self-edited legal writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages); and

5. Two professional references (non-family members) with the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of those references.

6. ​

Submit application packet to: Human Resources Office at employment@uscourts.cavc.gov.

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Please include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line. Please submit all electronic documents in one PDF file. This announcement will remain open until all positions are filled.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of

which actions may occur without notice.

Failure to provide the required information and/or materials may result in your not being considered for employment.

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)

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Position Type: Full-time (Remote)
About NVLSP
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is a high-impact, national nonprofit
veterans service organization based in Arlington, Virginia. Since 1981, NVLSP’s mission has
been to ensure that the U.S. government delivers to our nation’s veterans, active-duty personnel,
and their families the benefits they have earned due to disabilities resulting from their military
service.

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NVLSP provides free legal representation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and other federal courts and agencies. The organization also serves as lead or amicus counsel in impact litigation nationwide, trains hundreds of attorneys and advocates in
veterans and military law, and publishes the Veterans Benefits Manual—the nation’s first and
leading veterans law treatise.

Position Overview
NVLSP seeks a full-time Appellate Attorney to serve as lead counsel representing appellants
before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
Key Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel in CAVC appeals on behalf of veterans and surviving family

members.

• Review administrative records, conduct legal research, and draft legal memoranda and appellate briefs.

• Present oral arguments before the CAVC as needed.

• Screen cases for potential appeal to the CAVC.

• Contribute content to the Veterans Benefits Manual and other NVLSP publications.

• Mentor and support other attorneys handling veterans’ appeals.

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Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice law and in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in veterans’ law.

• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills required.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases in a fast-paced litigation environment.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with comfort handling significant
  client interaction by phone and email.

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Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Health insurance provided at no cost to the employee.

• Retirement plan and generous paid leave program included.

• Remote work flexibility nationwide.

Application Instructions
Please email the following materials to personnel@nvlsp.org with the subject line:
“Appellate Attorney (CAVC)”

Include:

• Resume

• Independently drafted writing sample

• Salary requirements

• List of 3–4 professional references

All applications will be reviewed in confidence.

NVLSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)

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NVLSP Department: Training & Publications
 

Position Type: Full-time Remote

 

Background:  The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is a high-impact national nonprofit veterans service organization based in Arlington, Virginia. Established in 1981, NVLSP’s mission is to ensure that the government delivers to our nation’s veterans and active-duty personnel the benefits they have earned due to the disabilities that resulted from their military service.

 

To this end, NVLSP and its attorneys provide legal representation at no cost to veterans and surviving family members before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and other federal courts and agencies. NVLSP often serves as amicus or lead counsel in impact litigation throughout the United States. NVLSP also trains thousands of lawyers and non-lawyer advocates in veterans/military law and publishes advocacy materials to assist these advocates in their representation of veterans, service members, and their families. NVLSP wrote the book on veterans’ law—The Veterans Benefits Manual—the nation’s first veterans law treatise.

 

General Summary: The Staff Attorney (Training & Publications) will serve a dual role as (1) a national trainer, creating training materials and delivering both in-person and virtual veterans law training to Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and other veterans advocates nationwide; and (2) a lead author of the Veterans Benefits Manual, playing a significant role in assisting the Director of Training and Publications with the process of updating the manual each year and revising current content. The attorney will also assist with updating NVLSP’s Online Basic Training Course and may also represent a small number of appellants before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and/or U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

 

Duties/Responsibilities:

 

• Develop and present high-quality veterans law training for non-attorney veterans service officers and attorneys, both virtually and in-person. Must be available to travel to locations across the United States to provide multi-day training sessions 5-10 times per year.

• Conduct legal research, create, update, and refine training slides and other instructional materials on current and emerging veterans law topics.

• Assist the Director of Training and Publications with managing the annual process for updating the Veterans Benefits Manual, to include the coordination of the work of numerous authors.

• Analyze new legal authority, determine where and how it should be incorporated into the Veterans Benefits Manual, and update the manual accordingly.

• Thoroughly review content of the Veterans Benefits Manual to identify areas that should be improved and revise those parts of the manual.

• As needed, provide legal representation to a small number of appellants before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), including preparation of legal briefs and representation at hearings.

• As needed, provide legal representation to a small number appellants before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, to including the drafting of Summary of the Issues memorandums, appellate briefs, and motions.

• Perform other mission-aligned projects as assigned by the Director of Training & Publications.

 

Education and Skills

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• Juris Doctor (J.D.)

• Licensed attorney in good standing, admitted to practice law in any U.S. state.

• Veterans law experience required (a minimum of 3 years).

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

• Prior experience providing legal training or presentations to advocacy organizations preferred.

• Superior writing and Blue Book citation skills. Law Journal or similar writing experience preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel).

• Exceptional organization, time-management, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently, but also collaboratively, in a remote environment.

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting veterans and their families.

 

Opening/Closing Date: Available immediately; closes when filled.

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NVLSP Approved Work Locations:  NVLSP currently authorizes hiring or remote work from the following 25 states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois (excluding Chicago), Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York (excluding New York City), North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

 

Salary and Benefits: Salary commensurate with qualifications, experience, and work location. NVLSP provides a generous benefits program, including: a 401(k) retirement plan; depending on employee location, health insurance (Washington, DC area) or partial or full reimbursement of individual health plans bought through a state insurance marketplace (other locations); a health care reimbursement account with yearly contributions from NVLSP; employee assistance program at no cost to the employee; and generous paid vacation and sick leave, compensatory time, and 14 paid holiday days per year.

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Applications: Apply via Indeed (https://www.indeed.com/job/staff-attorney-training-publications-b930488a3578ff4a) by providing a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample (academic, journal, brief, or memo), and list of three references. Only applications with all required documentation will be accepted and moved to the next review phase.

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All applications will be reviewed in confidence. NVLSP is an equal opportunity employer.