Veterans Benefits Attorney (VA)

Job Description

Job Description

Veterans Benefits Attorney

Lawyers-Helping-Heroes Project

Description

The Justice Center (TJC) is a legal aid nonprofit organization working to increase and promote access to justice from the Pikes Peak region. Our services help individuals with limited means obtain legal advice, legal representation, and practical legal resources. 

TJC is launching a new and innovative project: Lawyers-Helping-Heroes . This project will benefit active-duty members of the United States military who are approaching separation and veterans who recently separated from military service.

Lawyers-Helping-Heroes operates through two established programs:

Ask-a-Lawyer: providing free legal advice
Find-a-Lawyer: providing legal representation

TJC is seeking an experienced attorney with current accreditation with the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The attorney will provide legal advice concerning veteran benefits and represent eligible beneficiaries during the initial VA claims process.

This is a grant-funded position ending June 30, 2027. Employment after that date will depend on additional grant funding. 

Project Results

The Lawyers-Helping-Heroes Veteran Benefits Attorney will work toward the following results:

• Provide legal advice to a minimum of 300 beneficiaries through the Ask-a-Lawyer program
• Provide legal representation to at least 30 beneficiaries with their initial VA claims through the Find-a-Lawyer program
• Develop legal resources for legal professionals and veterans, including at least five videos to be posted on social media

Responsibilities

1. Provide Direct Legal Services

• Participate in the weekly remote Call-a-Lawyer project
• Participate in the daily Email-a-Lawyer project
• Participate in the in-person Meet-a-Lawyer project
• Provide direct legal representation to at least 30 beneficiaries with their initial VA claims, which includes:
  
  • Assessing beneficiaries' potential eligibility for VA benefits
  • Identifying potential initial VA claims
    
  • Preparing and submitting initial VA claims
  • Accepting appointments as the attorney of record before the US Department of Veteran Affairs
  • Obtaining and reviewing military personnel records, discharge documents, service treatment records, medical records, and employment records
  • Working with beneficiaries and healthcare providers to develop complete claim records
  • Gathering supporting statements, medical opinions, and other relevant information
  • Monitoring claims through the initial VA decision
  • Reviewing initial decisions with beneficiaries and explaining available next steps
  • Maintaining complete and timely electronic case files
  • Recording services, case progress, results, and grant-required information
  • Following all applicable professional rules and VA requirements
    

2. Provide Training and Resources

• Identify recurring beneficiary questions and develop resources addressing them
  
• Create and maintain templates, checklists, sample documents, practice guides, and other resources
  
• Develop and deliver CLE courses
  
• Create at least 5 videos for social media
  

3. Other Responsibilities

• Work with TJC staff and partner organizations
• Support TJC activities, including fundraising
• Provide weekly written reports to the Program Manager
• Provide monthly oral reports to the staff including project statistics and a SWOT analysis
  

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have the following skills, education, and experience:

Required

• Active law license in good standing
• Current accreditation as an attorney through the VA Office of General Counsel
• Experience assisting claimants with VA benefits
• Knowledge of initial VA claims, supporting records, and applicable procedures
• Familiarity with military records, discharge documents, and VA forms
• Strong legal research, writing, counseling, and case-management skills
• Ability to explain complicated legal processes clearly
• Ability to manage cases independently and meet deadlines
• Ability to work respectfully with active-duty military members and veterans
• Proficiency with electronic case-management and communication systems
• Commitment to legal aid services
  

Preferred

• Former employment with the Veterans Benefits Administration or another VA benefits office
• Experience working with active-duty military members, veterans, and their dependents
• Experience serving beneficiaries facing serious medical, financial, or personal circumstances
• Military service
  

Compensation

• $7,500 - $8,000 a month
• This is a grant-funded position ending June 30, 2027

Schedule

• Hybrid
• In person availability in the 4th Judicial District is required for Meet-a-Lawyer clinics, staff meetings, beneficiary meetings, and other project needs

Language

• English required
• Spanish preferred

Licensure

• Active law license in good standing
• Current accreditation as an attorney through the VA office of General Counsel or former employment at a VA benefits office