Full Time Staff Attorney

Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides counseling and case management, employment and training, housing, and legal assistance to veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. We promote and protect the rights of veterans through advocacy, public education, and partnerships with local, state, and national entities. Believing that war causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield, our mission is to support veterans as they navigate the challenges of post-military life, and to prevent and end veteran homelessness through wrap-around care and informed advocacy. To learn more about Swords to Plowshares, please visit our website at

Staff Attorney

Schedule: Monday through Friday; Reporting Type: Hybrid - 2 in person days per week

Employment Type: Full-time and Exempt

Swords to Plowshares invites applications for a full-time Staff Attorney to join our Legal Services Unit. The Staff Attorney will provide legal assistance to veterans, including initial interviewing, giving brief advice and counsel, and providing full‑scope representation to clients before the Department of Veterans Affairs, Military Discharge Review Boards, and Boards for Correction of Military Records.

Provide brief legal advice and case assessment as well as full‑scope representation to veterans in need of legal assistance with VA benefits claims and military discharge upgrades

Review and develop evidence, including military records, medical & mental health records, court‑martial transcripts, witness statements, and/or non‑governmental documents, to assist in case evaluation, preparation, and representation

Conduct legal research and draft legal briefs

Represent clients at hearings before the VA Regional Office, the Board of Veterans Appeals, and Department of Defense Discharge Review Boards

Coordinate within legal team on case strategies

Perform in-depth research and prepare written materials, such as articles and training materials, relating to veterans law

Submit reports, attend meetings, and perform administrative tasks, as required

Perform other duties as required by Supervising Attorney, Deputy Legal Director, and Legal Director

Experience with or sensitivity to the needs of clients who are unhoused, trauma survivors, experience mental health symptoms, and/or live with disabilities

Familiarity with veteran issues and public benefits advocacy is preferred

Juris doctor from an ABA-accredited law school

Excellent legal research and writing skills

Proficient in using technology, such as Microsoft Word and case management software

Ability to effectively communicate in English with staff, clients, and external partners and stakeholders.

Performing some tasks outside the office, such as attendance at legal clinics, meetings, and hearings

100% employer sponsored medical, vision, acupuncture, dental coverage and more. Agency paid annual medical deductible paid via Navia HRA Card)

Employee Assistance Program: 20 mental health counseling appointments available to all employees, regardless of Full-time status, at no cost to employees.

403(b) retirement plan immediate enrollment

Generous annual paid time off : 10 days, 13 paid holidays, and 17 vacation days available the first year!

Access to third party legal benefits, employee discount program, pet insurance, and Commuter Benefit.

1-hour paid lunch period, professional development reimbursements, and annual education allowance available to all employees.

*Employees who work on-call, in a temporary position, or less than 20 hours per week regularly are only eligible for our Employee Assistance Program, paid lunch hour, and San Francisco sick time. Vacation and sick time are pro-rated based upon full-time equivalent percentage.

Swords to Plowshares is fully committed to the ongoing work of upholding our values and fostering a supportive culture for all staff and veteran clients.

We understand that the veteran community encompasses a multitude of identities, and we believe that our staff and board should as well. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran. We are committed to compliance with all state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

We strive to ensure that all individuals—regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status—are treated fairly and have access to the same opportunities in alignment with federal regulations (Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974).

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at View email address on click.appcast.io. We’re here to help.

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