Attorney

US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel-Benefits Law Group Accreditation, Discipline, and Fees Program Do you want to use your legal skills to protect the men and women who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a talented, motivated attorney to join the Accreditation, Discipline, and Fees (ADF) Program within the Benefits Law Group (BLG). This is an exceptional opportunity to safeguard the integrity of the VA adjudication system that Veterans rely on to secure the benefits they have earned. Location: This position is located in Washington, DC. Additional duty locations may be considered based on the availability of in-office space at VA facilities. Applicants interested in an alternative location are encouraged to apply; placement outside of Washington, DC cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon confirmation of available office space. GS 11-14 (DOE) The Mission Veterans have sacrificed to keep our country, and everything it represents, safe, and they deserve the VA benefits they have earned. They also deserve responsible, qualified representation in pursuing their claims for those benefits. The ADF program oversees the organizations and individuals who prepare, present, and prosecute benefit claims under the laws administered by VA. Think of it as similar to a State Bar that licenses and regulates attorneys, but operating on a national scale. The program currently oversees more than 6,500 representatives of Veterans service organizations (VSOs), 6,000 attorneys, and 700 agents, who are accredited to assist Veterans with their benefits claims. When they fall short of the required standards of professionalism, our program holds them accountable. Last year, the ADF program resolved over 900 fee reasonableness reviews, and returned over $1.3 million to Veterans that would have otherwise been directed to attorneys and agents. Preferred Skills & Experience Knowledge of VA benefits law or experience representing claimants before VA Litigation or decision drafting experience: civil, criminal, or administrative Significant legal research and writing experience Experience in professional responsibility, attorney discipline, or licensing/regulatory matters (e.g., State Bar or similar oversight) Familiarity with attorney fee disputes or fee reasonableness reviews Familiarity with the federal rulemaking process Major Duties Perform character and fitness assessments of individuals seeking accreditation to represent claimants before the Department. Investigate complaints regarding the conduct of accredited representatives and the adequacy of representation provided to claimants. Draft fee reasonableness review decisions concerning fees charged to Veterans. Prepare briefs, motions, and litigation reports, describing and analyzing the factual record and applicable law and setting forth the Department’s litigation position. Prepare written and oral advice to Department officials concerning complex representation and fee matters and other program issues, based on thorough research and analysis. Draft testimony, responses to Congressional inquiries, and technical service on the Department’s views and proposed legislation. Collaborate with attorneys in the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and other agencies on matters of overlapping interest. Identify legal risks in VA operations and provide preventative guidance to Department officials and program offices. What makes this role unique National impact : Blend legal work with programmatic functions to shape and implement accreditation, discipline, and fee policies on a nationwide scale. Broad Substantive Reach: Representation, discipline, and fee matters can arise from all kinds of Veterans’ claims, so you'll work across a broad range of substantive law: disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, vocational rehabilitation, insurance, transition assistance, health care, and burial & cemetery issues. No two matters look alike. Variety of Assignments : Fee reasonableness decisions, complaints regarding representation, character and fitness reviews, federal appellate litigation, legislative matters, regulatory drafting and review, client advice, etc. Why Join OGC? Compressed and flexible work schedules. Clear advancement pathways to GS‑15 and Senior Executive Service roles. Access to OGC-sponsored CLE opportunities. Regular collaboration with senior VA leaders on high‑impact initiatives. Annual bar dues paid (subject to budget). Thrift Savings Plan with matching (401(k) equivalent). Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays. #J-18808-Ljbffr