Duties

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.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Serves at the pleasure of the Judge.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13 - CS-13.

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 with favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of law clerk, a person must (1) be a law school graduate no later than date of appointment, (2) have taken or sat for the bar examination in any jurisdiction prior to start date, (3) stand with the upper third of the law school class from an accredited law school, and (4) have proficient legal writing skills.

Legal Work Experience: Responsibilities and salary will be commensurate with experience. Proficiency in legal writing and research is required. Substantive knowledge of veterans law is preferred.

Position Grade Levels: Current salary range including Washington-Baltimore Locality Pay, as of issuing date, is:

• CS-11 ($72,750-$94,581)
• CS-12 ($87,198-$113,362)
• CS-13 ($103,690-$134,798)

Bar membership is required for appointment at the CS-12 or 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.

Education

The applicant must have a Juris Doctor.

Additional information

This appointment is made without regard to Title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service. All appointments are excepted service.

The United States 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. If you meet the minimum qualifications for this job, we will evaluate your application package, to assess the quality, depth, and complexity of your accomplishments, experience, and education as they relate to the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. Highly qualified candidates will be forwarded to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

Cover Letter;

Resume;

Law school transcripts;

Evidence of law school rank; and

Three law-related references.

Judge Toth may request a writing sample after review of application packet. Application submission via USAJOBS to e-mail Isabel Armstrong at IArmstrong@uscourts.cavc.gov .

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.