Attorney

Staff Attorney – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel (OGC) Healthcare Law Group (HCLG), Specialty Team Advising Research (STAR)

Washington, D.C. | GS‑12/14 (DOE)

The VA Office of General Counsel’s Healthcare Law Group (HCLG) provides legal guidance on national issues affecting the delivery of healthcare to millions of Veterans through one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the United States. Within HCLG, the Specialty Team Advising Research (STAR) supports VA’s cutting‑edge research enterprise; spanning biomedical innovation, clinical trials, artificial intelligence, technology development, and more.

STAR attorneys work closely with VA research offices, VA Nonprofit Corporations, scientists, clinicians, and leadership across the agency to ensure that VA’s research activities advance responsibly, ethically, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

This is an opportunity to join a mission‑driven legal team shaping the future of healthcare innovation for Veterans nationwide.

About the Role

• Grade Level: GS‑12 to GS‑14 (commensurate with experience)

• Location: Washington, D.C. (VA Central Office)

• Additional Requirements: Position requires filing a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report

-This role requires an understanding of key research‑related legal concepts, including human subject protections, animal research requirements, data rights and ownership, IP considerations, liability allocation, Federal ethics, HIPAA compliance, and informed consent.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Contract Negotiations

Lead the drafting, negotiation, and review of complex, multi‑party research agreements central to VA’s national research mission. These may include:

• Clinical Trial Agreements

• Collaborative Research and Development Agreements

• Material Transfer Agreements

• Non‑Disclosure Agreements

• Donation and Invention Management Agreements

• Memorandums of Understanding

Legal Advice and Assistance

Provide legal support to VA’s extensive research programs, including the Office of Research and Development and its oversight committees (e.g., Institutional Review Boards). Typical subject areas include:

• Protection of human subjects

• Research misconduct and oversight

• Subject injury and adverse events

• Application of research statutes, regulations, and emerging legislation

• Ethical and legal issues involving artificial intelligence and healthcare innovation

You will also advise VA’s National Artificial Intelligence Institute, the Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning, and congressionally authorized Nonprofit Research Corporations supporting VA’s research and education mission.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship

• Successful background/suitability investigation

• Selective Service registration (for males born after 12/31/1959)

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school

• Active, unrestricted membership in the bar of a State, Territory, or D.C.

Why Work at OGC?

• Clear advancement pathways toward GS‑15 and SES leadership roles

• Annual leadership development programs

• Access to Continuing Legal Education (CLE) opportunities

• Direct engagement with clients and programs impacting Veterans nationwide

• No requirement to purchase professional liability insurance

• Employer qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Benefits

• Thrift Savings Plan (401(k)-equivalent with matching)

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Retirement plan

• Generous paid time off

• Federal employee benefits and work‑life programs