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Summary

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has exclusive jurisdiction over decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board or BVA). The Court reviews Board decisions appealed by claimants who believe the Board erred in its decision. The Court's review of Board decisions is based on the record before the agency and arguments of the parties, which are presented in a written brief, with oral argument generally held only in cases presenting new legal issues.

Summary

Overview

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Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

08/07/2025 to 08/25/2025

Salary: $167,603 to - $207,500 per year
CS-15 ($167,603 to $195,200); CS-16 ($196,568 to $207,500).

Pay scale & grade: CS 15 - 16

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: Permanent - At-Will

Work schedule: Full-time

Service: Excepted

Promotion potential

16 - CS-16, Full Performance Level

Job family (Series)

0905 Attorney

Supervisory status: Yes

Security clearance: Other

Drug test: No

Financial disclosure: No

Bargaining unit status: No

Announcement number: 25-04

Control number: 842800700

This job is open to

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The public

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

Clarification from the agency

Area of Consideration: Nationwide - The Court does not pay relocation expenses.

Duties

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The General Counsel is a senior level manager responsible for a legal team providing legal, policy, and strategic counsel to the Court, including the Clerk of the Court/Executive Officer (the Clerk), and all Court staff. The General Counsel provides a broad range of legal support services for all aspects of Court operations, administration, policy, and practice, including but not limited to:

Oversees the Court's ethics program, which includes providing training, guidance, and opinions to the entire Court;
Manages the Court's grievance program, which includes reviewing and processing complaints filed against attorneys in the Court's bar and grievances filed against any of the Judges;
Advises the Chief Judge and the Clerk on employment law, fiscal law, and procurement law issues;
Manages Court policies, which includes drafting, reviewing, and revising policies;
Advises Court staff on interpreting, applying, and recommending revisions of the Court's Rules of Practice and Procedure;
Collaborates with Counsel to the Board of Judges on special projects;
In conjunction with the Department of Justice, represents the Court in defensive litigation; and
Performs other duties within the Clerk's Office as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

The selectee will be subject to a one-year probationary period. A background security investigation is required for all new hires. The appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of fingerprinting and a background security investigation with favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: The selectee must have:

A juris doctor (J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and active membership in the bar of the highest court of any state; the District of Columbia; or any territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States.
Six years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after law school graduation.
In addition, three years of progressively responsible experience in leadership/management, including leading people toward meeting a goal; providing an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of all staff members and facilitates teamwork; and advising senior level management and key stakeholders.

Note: Experience in veterans benefits law and court operations or administration is beneficial but not required.

CS/GS Grade Level	Years of General Experience	Years of Specialized Experience	Total Years of Experience
15	6	3	9
16	8	5	13

Note: One year of the required specialized experience must have been at, or equivalent to, the next lower grade in the federal service.

Education

Educational Substitute: An masters of law (LL.M.) is equivalent to one year of legal work experience.

Skills:

Exceptional leadership, team building, and management skills, with a proven record of organizational and problem-solving skills, discerning judgment, and a professional demeanor. A demonstrated ability to exercise a substantial degree of initiative;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including verbal, written, and presentation skills, and a proven track record of serving as a trusted adviser;
Demonstrated experience leading people toward meeting an organization's vision, mission, and goals; experience establishing an organizational vision and implementing it in a continually changing environment; experience building coalitions with internal and external stakeholders;
Significant legal experience in administrative law, litigation, ethics issues, fiscal law, procurement law, and employment law;
An aptitude for collaborative problem solving and consensus-building; and
Demonstrated ability to consistently exercise sound ethics and judgment, maintain the Court's confidentiality and security requirements, and comply with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

Additional information

This is an "At-Will" position.

Excepted Service Position: This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the Competitive Civil Service.

Veterans Information: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the Excepted Service; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letters or resumes and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD-214, Certificate of Release, or Discharge from Active Duty) with submissions.

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.

Please read the "Next steps" section fore more information.

Required Documents

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You may apply by submitting the following documents:

A resume, no more than three (3) pages;
A cover letter;
A narrative statement (no more than three (3) pages) that highlights your motivation for applying for this position and addresses your: (a) management style or philosophy, vision, and values; (b) relevant strengths and demonstrated experience as they relate to the duties and responsibilities of this position; and (c) personal experience establishing and implementing an organization's vision and developing teams that facilitate cooperation and constructive conflict resolution;
A certificate of good standing issued by the bar where you are admitted showing you are in good standing and in active status; and
A completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment).

Note: Application packets should be emailed in one single PDF attachment.

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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Instructions for Applying:

Please submit your application packet to:

Human Resources - employment@uscourts.cavc.gov

Please include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 EST on the day the announcement closes.

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

Agency contact information

USCAVC Human Resources Office

Email: employment@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