Staff Attorney - VA

The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) seeks an attorney for our veterans law practice, representing veterans in claims and appeals with 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, Traumatic Brain Injury, and substance use issues. 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 social services. With a dedicated team, VAP enables veterans to regain their health and rebuild their lives. 

While the organization is small, we are growing. We have launched a criminal defense practice, providing mitigation expertise and representation in capital cases around the country; and we are expanding our justice-involved services, addressing problems that arise at the intersection of civil, criminal, and veterans law issues. Our homelessness prevention partnerships with social services agencies and our medical-legal partnerships are instrumental in our veterans law work. The common thread throughout our advocacy is that we fight for individuals who are living with mental health conditions. Our services provide access to health care and benefits, prevent incarceration and reduce recidivism, keep veterans and their families in their homes, and empower veterans by removing barriers to success.  

The attorney will work with our staff to address the legal needs of low-income veterans in a holistic manner. The position will focus on enabling veterans to gain access to VA health care and resources. The attorney will collaborate with partner organizations to create long-term stability for veterans by providing representation in VA Character of Discharge (COD) determinations, eliminating VA debt, and appealing denials of VA disability benefits, with a focus on mental health related claims The work will include outreach at partner sites, communication with social workers and case managers, and the creation of both applications and 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 briefs for VA COD and service-connected compensation appeals, along with various other VA claims;

·       Screen veterans for relief, including exhaustive investigation of military history and medical records;

·       Oversee 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 other staff to shape policy positions and advocacy agenda;

·       Track client information in our 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);

·       Accredited with the Department of Veterans Affairs;

·       Minimum two years’ experience in veterans law matters:

• Knowledge and practice in VA claims, including character of discharge applications and disability compensation appeals for PTSD and other mental health conditions;
• Experience with VA hearings at the Regional Office level and at 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 motivation (a self-starter), to meet deadlines, to be flexible, and to ask questions;

·       Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ issues.

Veteran Advocacy Project, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, immigration status, gender or gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status, predisposing genetic characteristics, survivor of domestic/intimate partner violence status, or marital or partnership status.