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Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is seeking a Judicial Law Clerk to Chief Judge Michael P. Allen. Clerkship commences (with flexibility) Spring/Summer 2026 for a two-year term.

Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is seeking a Judicial Law Clerk to Chief Judge Michael P. Allen. Clerkship commences (with flexibility) Spring/Summer 2026 for a two-year term.

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

03/20/2026 to 04/17/2026

Salary: $85,447 to - $158,322 per year
CS 11 ($85,447-$111,087); CS 12 ($102,415-$133,142); and CS 13 ($121,785-$158,322).

Pay scale & grade: CS 11 - 13

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Washington, DC

Remote job: No

Telework eligible: Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required: Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Appointment type: Term - Spring/Summer 2026 for a two-year term.

Work schedule: Full-time

Service: Excepted

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

0904 Law Clerk

Supervisory status: No

Security clearance: Other

Drug test: No

Financial disclosure: No

Bargaining unit status: No

Announcement number: 26-09

Control number: 861947600

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

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This position is a Clerkship that commences (with flexibility) Spring/Summer 2026 for a two-year term.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Background security investigation is required for all new hires. Appointment is subject to successful completion of fingerprinting and background security investigation. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of law clerk, a person must be a law school graduate no later than date of appointment, and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:

Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
Experience on the editorial board of a law review of such a school;
Participation in a veterans law clinic, veterans law classes or moot court competition;
Experience working in the judiciary or practicing veteran's law;
Proficiency in legal studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above.

Position Grade Levels: Bar membership is required for appointment at the CS 12 or 13 level. One year of legal work experience is required for appointment at the CS 12 level. Two years of legal work experience is required for appointment at the CS 13 level.

Legal Work Experience: Legal work experience for this position means progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school.

Education

Must be a law school graduate no later than date of appointment.

Additional information

Promotion to CS 14 is eligible subject to Court policies, after successful completion of performance standards for 2 years.

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once your completed application package is received, we will conduct an evaluation and the selected candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for future consideration and possible interview.

Required Documents

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Cover letter;
Resume;
Completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment available at www.uscourts.cavc.gov/documents/of306.pdf);
Law school transcript;
Self-edited legal writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages); and
Names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references.

Note: Preference will be given to veterans; proof of eligibility must be submitted with the application.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

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Application must include the following materials:

Cover letter;
Resume;
Completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment available at www.uscourts.cavc.gov/documents/of306.pdf);
Law school transcript;
Self-edited legal writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages); and
Names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references.

Note: Preference will be given to veterans; proof of eligibility must be submitted with the application.

Submit application packet via email to: Mrs. Kia V. Hill at khill@uscourts.cavc.gov.

Agency contact information

Kia Hill

Email: khill@uscourts.cavc.gov

Address: US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
625 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20004
US

Next steps

Once your completed application package is received, we will conduct an evaluation and the selected candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for future consideration and possible interview.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request