Appellate Litigation Attorney

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of General Counsel Washington, District of Columbia, United States

GS-11/14 DOE

Salary $85,447-$187,093 per year DOE This is a temporary role not to exceed (NTE) 2 years with the possibility of being converted into a full‑time position. An NTE two‑year attorney position with the VA Office of General Counsel offers an exceptional launchpad for an early career attorney. It provides immediate, hands‑on legal experience in a mission‑driven federal practice, direct exposure to complex and meaningful work, and the opportunity to build a strong professional reputation within one of the largest legal organizations in the federal government. While the appointment is time‑limited, high‑performing attorneys are frequently considered for conversion to permanent roles, making this a strategic pathway to a long‑term federal career; one that begins with impactful work serving Veterans and strengthening public service. The mission of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is to identify and meet the legal needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its primary objective is to ensure the just and faithful execution of the laws, regulations and policies that the Secretary has responsibility for administering, and by so doing enable the Department to accomplish its mission of service to our Nation’s veterans. Qualifications BAR MEMBERSHIP: Currently an active member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and must maintain that status throughout the course of employment. CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States. EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full course of study (JD) in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Preferred Experience Appeals Strong writing skills Ability to handle high case loads Previous law clerk experience Appellate litigation Appeals Oral advocacy Journal, law review, writing fellow JAG Veterans law Previous Moot court participation Responsibilities Our practice consists largely of legal research and writing, including: Appellate briefs Procedural motions Legal memoranda Responses to petitions for extraordinary relief and requests for class action Responses to applications for attorney fees and expenses filed under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412 Briefing conferences, facilitated by the CAVC’s Central Legal Staff, are held in most cases, with frequent interaction with opposing counsel from record development to the negotiation of fees. Oral argument in federal court, including cases before the CAVC’s courtroom in Washington, D.C., and panels at law schools throughout the country. Maintaining a full caseload fully accountable to the CAVC and to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Collaborating with law student interns, legal assistants, and clerks on record preparation, docket management, and case‑tracking tasks. Benefits Start as GS‑11‑14 based on experience level; Journeyman grade GS‑14. Opportunities for advancement towards GS‑15 and SES positions. Leadership development programs offered annually. OGC offers CLE (Continuing Legal Education) qualified programs. Opportunities to perform pro bono work. No requirement to purchase professional liability insurance. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs