Duties
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.
Requirements
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
Qualification Requirements: To qualify for the position of law clerk, a person must be a law school graduate and have demonstrated two of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:
- Standing within the top 25% 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;
- 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 and 2 years of legal work experience is required for appointment at the CS 13 level. Current salary range, including Washington-Baltimore Locality Pay, as of issuing date, is: CS 13 ($121,785-$158,322).
Legal Work Experience: Legal work experience for this position means progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, or in legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school.
Specialized Experience: Experience working in the judiciary or practicing veterans' law for at least 2 years, and exceptional legal analysis, research, and writing skills.
Education
Person must be a law school graduate.
Additional information
- Preference will be given to veterans; proof of eligibility must be submitted with the application.
- Clerkship commences immediately.
- Promotion to CS 14 is available, subject to Court policies, after successful completion of performance standards for 2 years.
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.