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.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Additional Information: This job is filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Telework may be authorized up to full-time telework. The frequency of telework will take into account the employee's preference, performance, and the overall needs of the Court.
Note: Preference will be given to veterans; if applying for a 5 or 10-point veteran's preference, proof of eligibility must be submitted with application.
This appointment is Excepted Service, made without regard to Title 5 governing appointments in the Competitive Service.
Qualifications
Qualification Requirements: Applicants must have at least 1 year experience working in the judiciary or practicing veterans law. Applicants must have strong, demonstrated qualifications in academic achievement, written communication skills, and the ability to analyze complex issues. Applicants should have outstanding professional references.
In addition, applicants must provide a cover letter summarizing evidence of the following competencies:
- Legal Writing: Writes clear and concise legal documents.
- Legal Analysis: Researches, analyzes, and explains complex legal issues such as constitutional, jurisdictional, and administrative-law topics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of the American Bar Association;
- Experience on the law review or journal of such a school;
- Participation in a moot court competition; and/or
- Participation in a veterans law clinic or veterans law classes.
Position Grade Levels: One year of legal work experience post-J.D. is required for appointment at the CS-12 level. A minimum of two years of legal work experience post J.D. is required for, but does not guarantee, appointment a t the CS-13 level. Current 2024 salary range including Washington-Baltimore Locality Pay, as of issuing date, is: CS-12 ($99,200-$128,956); and CS-13 ($117,962-$153,354).
Promotion Potential: If you are selected at the CS-12 level, you may be promoted without further competition to the CS-13 level once you have served 12 months at the CS-12 level and met performance requirements. If you are selected at the CS-13 level, you may be promoted without further competition to the CS-14 level once you have served 2 years at the CS-13 level and met performance and other requirements. With successful completion of performance standards, promotion may be available.
Education
You must have a juris doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
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 (if emailing, preferably in .pdf format combined in one attachment):
- Cover letter;
- Resume;
- Completed OF306 (Declaration for Federal Employment, available at https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/documents/of306.pdf);
- Law school and (if applicable) other relevant graduate transcripts;
- Self-edited legal writing sample not to exceed 10 pages; and
- Names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional 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
Submit application packet to: afrancis@uscourts.cavc.gov
or Chief Judge Margaret Bartley
ATTN: Ms. Alexandra Francis
625 Indiana Avenue, NW, Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20004
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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