General Attorney (Veterans)

General Counsel • Washington, DC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The General Attorney works in the Court of Appeals Litigation Group (CALG), part of the Veterans Programs Group within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, in Washington, DC. CALG represents the VA in litigation before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). This is an open continuous announcement accepting applications until December 31, 2026, or until vacancies are filled.

The attorney prepares and files motions, pleadings, briefs, appellate records, and other actions required under Court rules and orders. The attorney represents the Department at court-sponsored mediation conferences, advocates the Department’s interests in complex matters involving experienced opposing counsel, presents oral argument before federal judges in open court, and initiates or responds to settlement negotiations through resolution.

The position is temporary for up to one year, with the possibility of an additional-year extension. If permanent funding is obtained, selected applicants may be converted to permanent appointments. The position is based in Washington, DC, and is not virtual. Return-to-office requirements are in effect; selectees must work in person unless granted an approved exemption. Ad hoc telework may be available under agency policy. The stated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; compressed or flexible scheduling is available. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition upon meeting applicable regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements; selection at a lower grade does not guarantee promotion.

Requirements

• Be an active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state or territory or the District of Columbia, with a current, unrestricted license to practice law.
• Possess four years of progressively responsible experience, which may include up to one year of relevant experience gained before admission to the bar; qualifying experience may include legal practice or other responsible legal work such as legal research, statutory analysis, legal opinion writing, or drafting and analyzing legal instruments.
• For GS-11: Have one year or less of experience practicing law, or qualify through the Superior Qualification Program.
• For GS-12: Meet an applicable qualification route, including an LL.M.; a JD in a directly pertinent field when identified as a selective factor; two years of progressively responsible relevant experience; or the Superior Qualification Program. An LL.M. may also be substituted for required experience under the education provision.
• For GS-13: Have three years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including no more than one year before admission to the bar, performing work comparable to Type II cases or legal problems in the OPM General Attorney classification standard.
• For GS-14: Have four years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including no more than one year before admission to the bar, performing work comparable to Type III cases or legal problems and Level of Responsibility D in the OPM General Attorney classification standard.
• Submit a transcript if relying on education to meet qualification requirements; qualifying education must be from an appropriately accredited institution, and foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Pass a background/security investigation and complete online onboarding; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment requirements.
• May be required to serve a probationary period and a one- or two-year trial period.
• Include required employment details in the resume, including job title, employer, hours worked per week, dates, duties and responsibilities, and federal grade where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file motions, pleadings, briefs, appellate records, and other litigation actions required under Court rules and orders.
• Represent the Department at court-sponsored mediation conferences.
• Advocate the Department’s interests in complex matters involving experienced and sophisticated opposing counsel.
• Present oral argument on behalf of the Department before federal judges in open court.
• Initiate and respond to settlement negotiations as appropriate and pursue them through resolution.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package is available, with eligibility depending on position type and appointment.
• VA may approve credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval must be requested before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed