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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications: The selectee must have:

• A juris doctor (J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and active membership in the bar of the highest court of any state; the District of Columbia; or any territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States.
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, legal research, legal administration, or equivalent experience received after law school graduation.
• In addition, three years of progressively responsible experience in leadership/management, including leading people toward meeting a goal; providing an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of all staff members and facilitates teamwork; and advising senior level management and key stakeholders.

Note: Experience in veterans benefits law and court operations or administration is beneficial but not required.

TOTAL YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

15

6

3

9
16

8

5

13
Note: One year of the required specialized experience must have been at, or equivalent to, the next lower grade in the federal service.

EDUCATION

Educational Substitute: An masters of law (LL.M.) is equivalent to one year of legal work experience.

SKILLS:

• Exceptional leadership, team building, and management skills, with a proven record of organizational and problem-solving skills, discerning judgment, and a professional demeanor. A demonstrated ability to exercise a substantial degree of initiative;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including verbal, written, and presentation skills, and a proven track record of serving as a trusted adviser;
• Demonstrated experience leading people toward meeting an organization’s vision, mission, and goals; experience establishing an organizational vision and implementing it in a continually changing environment; experience building coalitions with internal and external stakeholders;
• Significant legal experience in administrative law, litigation, ethics issues, fiscal law, procurement law, and employment law;
• An aptitude for collaborative problem solving and consensus-building; and
• Demonstrated ability to consistently exercise sound ethics and judgment, maintain the Court’s confidentiality and security requirements, and comply with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

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.

The General Counsel is a senior level manager responsible for a legal team providing legal, policy, and strategic counsel to the Court, including the Clerk of the Court/Executive Officer (the Clerk), and all Court staff. The General Counsel provides a broad range of legal support services for all aspects of Court operations, administration, policy, and practice, including but not limited to:

• Oversees the Court’s ethics program, which includes providing training, guidance, and opinions to the entire Court;
• Manages the Court’s grievance program, which includes reviewing and processing complaints filed against attorneys in the Court’s bar and grievances filed against any of the Judges;
• Advises the Chief Judge and the Clerk on employment law, fiscal law, and procurement law issues;
• Manages Court policies, which includes drafting, reviewing, and revising policies;
• Advises Court staff on interpreting, applying, and recommending revisions of the Court’s Rules of Practice and Procedure;
• Collaborates with Counsel to the Board of Judges on special projects;
• In conjunction with the Department of Justice, represents the Court in defensive litigation; and
• Performs other duties within the Clerk’s Office as assigned.