Veterans Law Attorney

Job Description

About the RMVAP and the Program:

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RMVAP is a Denver-based nonprofit law firm that has served Veterans across Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico since 2015. We handle the legal problems most closely tied to Veteran suicide risk: discharge upgrades, VA benefits claims and appeals, Character of Discharge determinations, family law, and housing and employment matters.

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Under the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant, RMVAP operates a non-clinical suicide prevention program built around legal representation. Veterans and their families receive screening, a service plan, case management, legal help, peer support, and referrals to clinical care through the Sturm Center, the VA, and Community Care.

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We prioritize Veterans with other-than-honorable or “bad paper” discharges, Veterans not connected to VA care, and rural, Tribal, and justice-involved Veterans.

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Position Summarry:

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The Staff Attorney represents program participants in the legal matters that most directly affect their safety and stability. The caseload will center on discharge upgrades before the service Discharge Review Boards and Boards for Correction of Military Records and on VA Character of Discharge determinations that restore access to VA health care, along with VA benefits claims and appeals and selected housing, employment, and family law matters.

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The attorney works as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes a Case Manager (LCSW), a Peer Support Specialist, and program psychologists. The attorney is responsible for the legal work and exercises independent professional judgment in it; the clinical and case management staff handle screening, safety planning, and referrals. The job requires close coordination with those colleagues around the points in a case, such as a denial or a hearing, that are hardest on the client.

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Responsibilities

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•         Carry a caseload of program participants from intake through resolution, including intake interviews, conflict checks, engagement letters, case strategy, and closing.

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•         Prepare and present discharge upgrade applications (DD Forms 293 and 149) before the Discharge Review Boards and Boards for Correction of Military Records of each service, including requesting and reviewing service, personnel, and medical records; developing evidence of in-service mental health conditions, TBI, or Military Sexual Trauma; briefing liberal-consideration and propriety and equity arguments; and preparing clients and witnesses for personal appearance hearings.

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•         Represent Veterans in VA Character of Discharge determinations under 38 C.F.R. § 3.12, including compelling-circumstances and insanity exception arguments, to restore eligibility for VA health care and benefits.

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•         Prepare and pursue VA disability compensation claims and appeals under the Appeals Modernization Act, including initial and supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, and appeals to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, with development of lay and medical evidence and coordination with evaluating psychologists on nexus and severity opinions.

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•         Handle or support housing, employment, and family law matters tied to a client’s suicide risk, with guidance from senior and Of Counsel attorneys, and refer matters outside RMVAP’s scope.

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•         Meet with clients in person, by phone, and virtually, and keep them informed about their cases in plain language.

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Suicide-risk-informed practice

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•         Practice in a trauma-informed way, especially with clients affected by PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or Military Sexual Trauma.

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•         Recognize that legal setbacks, such as a denied claim or a difficult hearing, can raise suicide risk, and coordinate with the Case Manager before and after those events.

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•         Follow RMVAP’s safety protocol: connect anyone in immediate danger to the Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1) or emergency services and notify the clinical team. Attorneys are not asked to assess risk or provide counseling.

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Outreach and clinics

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•         Staff RMVAP legal clinics, including monthly discharge upgrade clinics at the Denver VA Community Resource and Referral Center, clinics at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, virtual clinics, and mobile and pop-up clinics.

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•         Take part in rural and Tribal clinics, including multi-day clinics on the Navajo Nation, as assigned.

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•         Supervise and mentor law students and externs on assigned cases, consistent with Colo. RPC 5.3 and applicable student practice rules.

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Documentation, teamwork, and compliance

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•         Maintain complete case files, calendar and verify all deadlines, and record time and outcomes in RMVAP’s case management system.

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•         Collect and report the case data required under the grant for VA reporting.

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•         Take part in case reviews and team meetings with the legal, case management, and clinical staff.

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•         Protect client confidentiality under Colo. RPC 1.6 and RMVAP’s confidentiality and records policies, including rules on sharing information with the clinical team.

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•         Maintain bar licensure, VA accreditation, and required continuing legal education.

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•         Other related legal duties as assigned.

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Required Qualifications

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•         Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.

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•         Active license to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction, in good standing. Most of the work is before federal boards and VA, so a Colorado license is not required at hire.

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•         VA accreditation as an attorney under 38 C.F.R. § 14.629, or ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire. Until accredited, the attorney will not represent claimants before VA and will work on VA matters under the supervision of an accredited RMVAP attorney.

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•         Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

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•         Ability to manage a full caseload independently, meet filing deadlines, and keep complete records.

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•         Ability to work with clients in crisis using a trauma-informed approach, and willingness to complete suicide prevention training (such as QPR, ASIST, or VA S.A.V.E.) within 90 days if not already trained.

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•         Commitment to serving Veterans, including those with other-than-honorable discharges and those who are unhoused or justice-involved.

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•         Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel for regional clinics, including occasional overnight trips.

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Preferred Qualifications:

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•         Active Colorado bar license. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who maintain a Colorado license.

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•         One to three years of legal practice, clerkship, or fellowship experience.

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•         Experience in veterans law, military law, administrative law, or public interest law, including through a law school clinic or externship.

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•         Experience with discharge upgrades, Character of Discharge determinations, or VA benefits claims and appeals, including experience before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals or the service boards.

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•         Experience with housing, employment, or family law.

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•         Military service, or experience as a military spouse or family member.

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•         Experience working with clients affected by PTSD, traumatic brain injury, Military Sexual Trauma, homelessness, or the justice system.

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•         Bar admission in Wyoming or New Mexico, or willingness to pursue it.