Assistant General Counsel, Appellate Attorney

Working at PVA provides the opportunity to join a diverse and passionate team of individuals committed to improving the lives of veterans, specifically the lives of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disease and their caregivers.

At PVA, our employees know they are making a difference every day. Our unique backgrounds and cultures blend together to help us fulfill PVA’s mission. So, whether you’re at our National Office in Washington, D.C., or one of our several service offices across the country, you have the benefit of knowing that everything you do is part of PVA’s effort to help our veterans. Join us and make a difference!

Job Title: Assistant General Counsel, Appellate Attorney

Reports To: Associate General Counsel

Position Overview: Develops, researches, and prepares written presentations (informal hearing presentations (IHPs)) in cases for appeals of adverse benefits decisions to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), or other tribunals as assigned or required.

Position responsibilities and duties:

• Review VA claims and appeals, interact with clients as needed, prepare and file IHPs with the BVA; and coordinate with field offices in client matters as needed.
• Make oral or written presentations and question witnesses at formal hearings held before the above agencies as required.  Keeps abreast of laws, regulations, and policies concerning veterans’ benefits claim cases.
• Acts as faculty at PVA training seminars and other internal and external functions as assigned.  Plans prepares, and conducts individual training presentations as assigned. Occasional travel may be required, such as for attending scheduled training seminars.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate General Counsel for Appeals, Deputy General Counsel, and General Counsel.

Qualifications:

• Must have at least three (3) years’ experience in client representation in a benefits system helpful, experience in veterans’ benefits claims preferred.

• Must possess strong organizational skills and superior oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Preferred if candidate is familiar with medical terminology, particularly as it relates to spinal cord dysfunction and its sequelae, including social and occupational impairment.
• Must be eligible to obtain VA accreditation as a National Service Officer for veteran’s service organization representatives.
• Must possess a law degree; state or D.C. bar membership in good standing.
• Travel up to three (3) times annually.

Top Perks and Benefits:

• Hybrid work schedule: Working 2 days in office and 3 days from home.
• Employer-Paid Benefits – Employer-paid benefits like Medical Insurance, Basic Life Insurance, and Long-term Disability.
• Healthcare Insurance – Affordable Medical, Vision, and Dental options for team members and their families.
• Optional Insurance – Including Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, and more.
• 401k Match–401k retirement savings plan with a guaranteed employer contribution and matching option.
• Tuition Reimbursement – We empower our team to be the very best they can be by offering a competitive reimbursement plan for education related to your role.
• Work-Life Balance – We honor 14 paid holidays, vacation leave starting at 15 days per year, and sick leave with no limit on the amount to be accrued.
• Additional Benefits –Health Savings Account with an employer contribution, Parking & Transit Spending Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, TicketsAtWork Membership, and more!

Learn more here