December 8, 2023
Job Title: Appellate Attorney (CAVC)
Position Type: Full-time, remote work
Background: The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is a high-impact national nonprofit veterans service organization based in Arlington,VA. Established in 1981, NVLSP's mission is to ensure that the government delivers to our nation’s veterans and active duty personnel the benefits to which they are entitled due to the disabilities that resulted from their military service. To this end, NVLSP and its attorneys provide free legal representation to veterans and surviving family members before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and other federal courts and agencies. NVLSP often serves as amicus or lead counsel in impact litigation throughout the United States. In addition, NVLSP trains hundreds of other lawyer and non-lawyer advocates in veterans/military law and publishes advocacy materials to assist these advocates in their representation of veterans, service members, and their families. NVLSP wrote the book on veterans law—The Veterans Benefits Manual—the nation's first veterans law treatise.
Responsibilities: NVLSP seeks a full-time appellate attorney to serve as lead counsel in representing appellants on appeals filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
The appellate attorney will be responsible for reviewing the administrative record, conducting legal research, drafting legal memoranda and briefs, and conducting oral argument. Other responsibilities will include screening cases for appeal to the CAVC, making contributions to the Veterans Benefits Manual, and mentoring other attorneys who represent appellants before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Qualifications and Experience: Attorney must be good standing and admitted to practice law in any state. To be successful in this position the candidate must have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to handle a sizable caseload. The ability to multi-task in a fast-paced litigation environment is essential. This position involves significant client contact by phone and email, so excellent interpersonal skills are a must.
A minimum of 2 years of experience in veterans’ law is strongly preferred.
Opening/Closing Date: Closes when filled.
Salary and Benefits: NVLSP offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a generous benefits program, with health insurance provided at no cost to employee. A retirement plan is also offered.
Applications: A resume, an independently drafted writing sample, salary requirements, and a list of three to four references should be e-mailed to personnel@nvlsp.org with the subject line of Appellate Attorney (CAVC).
All applications will be reviewed in confidence. NVLSP is an equal opportunity employer.