Director, VA Pratice

The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) seeks an attorney to lead our veterans law practice, representing veterans in claims and appeals before the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VAP provides free legal services to low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and mental health conditions. We are partnered with VA hospitals, community health clinics, and local veterans’ groups to reach veterans where they are. While our attorneys tackle the legal challenges, our advocates ensure that our clients are connected to culturally appropriate social services. With a dedicated team, VAP enables veterans to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

The attorney will work with other members of VAP to address the legal needs of low-income veterans in a holistic manner. VAP focuses on advocacy that enables veterans to access VA health care and benefits. The director will: supervise a very small but growing team; collaborate with partner organizations with a particular focus on our medical-legal partnerships in NYC; carry a modified case load, providing representation in VA character of discharge (COD) determinations, VA overpayments, and disability benefits appeals with a focus on mental health related claims. The work will include communication with social workers and case managers, reviewing staff work, and taking on appeals by gathering evidence, preparing briefs, and representing veterans in hearings.

Individuals with military service, prior experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, people of all gender identities, people from underrepresented communities, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients before the VA, and potentially in federal court; write COD and service-connected compensation appeals, along with various other VA claims;
• Supervise a small team;
• Screen veterans for relief, with exhaustive investigation of military history and medical records;
• Oversee individual assignments for law student’s working on investigations, claims, and briefs;
• Collaborate with forensic mental health professionals;
• Research legal issues, with a focus on military discharges and VA character eligibility;
• Provide telephone and/or written advice to clients;
• Provide thorough referrals to connect clients with other services; work with other staff on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs;
• Work with the ED and staff to shape policy positions and the organization’s advocacy goals;
• Track client information in a database, contribute to reports required by funders, attend meetings, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:

• Current member in good standing of a state bar (New York preferred);
• Accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs;
• Minimum five years’ experience in veterans law;
• Knowledge and experience with VA claims, including character of discharge applications and disability compensation appeals for PTSD and other mental health conditions;
• Experience with VA hearings at both the Regional Office level and the BVA;
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to work well with people living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Ability to work independently with strong self-motivation, to meet deadlines, to be flexible, and to collaborate with junior staff;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ rights.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $98,000 – $130,000, along with a benefits package, including employer-paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, 401K, etc.

Location: VAP is a hybrid environment with some of the team working entirely remotely. Location is flexible but proximity to the New York Metropolitan area is preferred in order to oversee and facilitate our many partnerships.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample, preferably a VA character of discharge brief, to hiring@veteranadvocacy.org with “VA Director” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Veteran Advocacy Project is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, gender/gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, reproductive health decisions, caregiver status, status as a victim/survivor of domestic violence, or marital/partner status.