Attorney

Job Description

Staff Attorney

US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel-Benefits Law Group

GS 13/14 (DOE)

Location: Washington DC

Major Duties :

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• Conduct extensive research of statutes, regulations, legislative and regulatory histories, case law, and other sources to support legal advice and litigation arguments.
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• Work closely with Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys by preparing appellate briefs, motions, and litigation reports that describe and analyze the factual record and applicable law and set forth VA’s litigation position; also participate in DOJ moot courts and oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
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• Advise VA program offices on legal requirements, identify options for officials to make policy decisions to achieve program goals, and provide risk analysis for options.
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• Prepare written advice and brief VA officials concerning complex benefits eligibility and other program issues, based on thorough research and analysis.
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• Draft legislative hearing testimonies and provide technical assistance on draft bills to Congressional committees, committee staff, and Members of Congress.
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• Review VA legislative proposals and supporting materials justifying introduction and enactment of such legislation.
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• Collaborate with attorneys in DOJ, Department of War, and other agencies on matters of overlapping interest.
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• Review VA program offices’ proposed changes in regulations, manuals, and other issuances for legal sufficiency.
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Preferred experience:

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• Litigation–civil or criminal
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• Experience drafting briefs, motions, litigation reports
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• Proven ability to excel in a demanding, fast-paced legal office
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• Exceptional legal research, analysis, and writing skills
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• Familiarity with the Administrative Procedure Act and federal rulemaking process
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Must have:

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• US Citizenship
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• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
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• Active bar membership in good standing
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Why Join OGC?

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• Compressed and flexible work schedules.
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• Clear advancement pathways to GS‑15 and Senior Executive Service roles.
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• Annual leadership development programs.
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• Access to OGC-sponsored CLE opportunities.
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• Regular collaboration with senior VA leaders on high‑impact initiatives.
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• Annual bar dues paid (subject to budget).
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• Opportunities for pro bono service.
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• Thrift Savings Plan with matching (401(k) equivalent).
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• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
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• Life insurance options.
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• Federal retirement plan.
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• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
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• Start as GS-13/14 based on experience level; Journeyman grade GS-14
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• Inspiring mission of the Department to serve veterans and their families
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• Opportunities to work on high-priority, high-profile cases and legal matters impacting various VA programs
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• Wide variety of subject areas – veterans’ disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, vocational rehabilitation, insurance, transition assistance, burial & cemetery issues
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• Variety of legal assignments – Federal appellate litigation, legislative, regulatory, client advice
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• No requirement to purchase professional liability insurance
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