Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Scott J. Laurer Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 25-01 Department U.S. Courts
Salary $84,601.00 to $156,755.00 Grade 11 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/27/2025 Close Date 1/26/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has exclusive jurisdiction over decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board). 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 written briefs, with oral argument generally held only in cases presenting new legal issues.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open until filled. Applicants with at least 1 year of veteran's law experience may apply to this posting.

Duties

Note: Judge requires a 24-month commitment from the law clerk. This term may be extended by mutual agreement, and it can also convert to a career clerk position. Chambers is using a hybrid work schedule, combining telework and in-office work, which may be subject to change. Flexible Term, Start Date in June 2025.

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.

Legal Work Experience: Legal work experience for this position means progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, in legal research, legal writing, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after graduation from law school.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Note: Preference will be given to veterans; proof of eligibility must be submitted with 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 judicial law clerk position, a person must (1) be a law school graduate no later than date of appointment, (2) have taken or sat for the bar exam in any jurisdiction before start date, (3) have legal work experience practicing veteran's law for at least 1 year, and (4) have demonstrated at least 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;
  • Experience working in the judiciary; or
  • Proficiency in legal practice or studies that, in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the position grade levels.
Position Grade Levels: Current salary range including Washington-Baltimore Locality Pay, as of issuing date, is:
  • CS-11 ($84,601-$109,975)
  • CS-12 ($101,401- $131,826)
  • CS-13 ($120,579-$156,755)
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. After successful completion of performance standards for 2 years, promotion to CS-14 level is available, subject to Court policies.

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.

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.

Required Documents

Instructions for Applying: Application must include the following materials:

  1. Cover letter;
  2. Resume;
  3. Law school and (if applicable) graduate transcripts;
  4. Self-edited writing sample, 10 pages maximum;
  5. List of references with contact information; and
  6. Completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment, available at https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/documents/of306.pdf).

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 to Judge Laurer's Confidential Assistant, Mr. Ed McGugin, at emcgugin@uscourts.cavc.gov. Email applications in .pdf format and combined in one attachment.

Agency contact information

Edward McGugin
Address
US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
625 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20004
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Please read the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for more information.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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