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.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Background security investigation is required for all new hires. Appointment is subject to successful completion of fingerprinting and background security investigation with favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. Clerkship commences Fall 2025 for a two-year term.
Duties
Legal Work Experience: Legal work experience for this position means progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Note: Preference will be given to veterans; if applying for a 5 or 10 point veterans preference, proof of eligibility must be submitted with the application.
The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, marital status, or national origin, disability, or political affiliation.
Qualifications
Qualification Requirements: To qualify for the position of law clerk, a person must be a law school graduate no later than date of appointment, and have demonstrated one of the following accomplishments or proficiencies:
- Standing within the upper third 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;
- Participation in a veterans law clinic, veterans law classes or moot court competition;
- Experience working in the judiciary or practicing veteran's law; and
- 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 is required for appointment at the CS-12 or CS-13 level. One year of legal work experience is required for appointment at the CS-12 level. Two years of legal work experience is required for appointment at the CS-13 level. Current 2024 salary range including Washington-Baltimore Locality Pay, as of issuing date, is: CS-11 ($82,764-$107,590); CS-12 ($99,200-$128,956); and CS-13 ($117,962-$153,354).
Legal Work Experience: Legal work experience for this position means progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school.
Education
To qualify for the position of law clerk, a person must be a law school graduate no later than date of appointment.
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 for more information.
Required Documents
Instructions for Applying: Application must include the following materials:
- Cover letter;
- Resume;
- Completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment available at https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/documents/of306.pdf);
- Law school transcript;
- Self-edited legal writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages); and
- Names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references.
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
Please email application package to: khill@uscourts.cavc.gov
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.
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