Duties
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
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.
How to Apply
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.
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.