Appellate Litigation Attorney

Appellate Litigation Attorney

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Office of General Counsel-Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Litigation Group (CALG)

Location: 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) 4 years with the possibility of being converted into a full-time position++

A NTE four‑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.

Represent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)

Appellate attorneys serve as lead counsel, manage their own caseloads, and build substantial experience in legal research, persuasive writing, litigation strategy, and oral advocacy.

Position Overview

The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Litigation Group represents the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in cases before the CAVC.

The practice centers on appellate advocacy and includes frequent interaction with opposing counsel and the Court. Daily responsibilities associated with managing a full appellate caseload include:

• Drafting appellate briefs, procedural motions, legal memoranda, responses to petitions for extraordinary relief, and responses to attorney-fee applications.
• Participating in briefing conferences (mediations) and working with opposing counsel on joint resolutions.
• Preparing for and presenting oral arguments when cases are scheduled for argument.

About the CAVC

The CAVC is an independent federal court of national jurisdiction. Located in Washington, D.C., it was created under Article I of the U.S. Constitution. It reviews final decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

Required Qualifications

• Bar membership: Current active membership in good standing in the bar of a state
• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship.
• Education: Must possess a J.D. from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Preferred Experience

• Appellate experience or other similar strong legal research and writing skills;
• Oral advocacy, moot court, journal, law review, or writing-fellow experience helpful;
• Prior law clerk, JAG, or veterans’ law experience;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume caseload and competing deadlines

Why Work at VA OGC?

• You get to support a fantastic mission while working with great people in a team environment.
• You get first-chair federal appellate litigation experience.
• We offer career ladder positions from GS-11 through GS-14; with opportunities for advancement to both supervisory and non-supervisor GS-15 positions and Senior Executive Service (SES) positions.
• We offer ongoing training opportunities and support opportunities to perform pro bono work.
• There is no requirement to purchase professional liability insurance.