Veterans Legal Institute - Tustin, CA

posted 2 months ago

Full-time - Mid Level
Remote - Tustin, CA
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Veterans Benefits Staff Attorney at Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) is responsible for providing legal assistance to veterans, particularly those who are low-income, disabled, or homeless. This role involves representing veterans in claims and appeals before the VA Administration, conducting legal research, and leading training sessions for volunteers. The attorney will work closely with the Managing Attorney and other team members to ensure that veterans receive the necessary support to access critical VA benefits and healthcare.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain an active VA Benefit claims/appeals caseload and provide quality legal services to mentally ill, low-income, disabled and homeless former and active service members.
  • Interview former and active service members to determine their legal issues and eligibility for VLI's services.
  • Participate in case review meetings to ensure legal services align with VLI's mission and maximize resources.
  • Work with the Managing Attorney to meet organizational goals.
  • Supervise and assist volunteers, including law students and pro bono attorneys, with tasks.
  • Liaison with the client veteran community and represent VLI at networking events, occasionally requiring nights and weekends.
  • Staff, coordinate, and supervise legal clinics and trainings on various legal issues affecting veterans.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Active membership in the California State Bar.
  • 3+ years of experience in VA Benefits claims/appeals preferred.
  • VA Accreditation is a plus.
  • Experience in representing mentally ill, low-income people, special populations, or military in civil litigation or administrative proceedings is a strong plus.
  • Knowledge of VA or government benefits and military service, or familiarity with modern military issues is a plus.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of applicable law and community legal needs.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with staff at all levels of the organization.
  • Good people skills and ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population.
  • Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
  • Ability to assume responsibility quickly and work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to use good judgment, multitask, and meet deadlines.

Nice-to-haves

  • Experience in developing and leading trainings preferred.
  • Experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, and people who are low-income and/or homeless preferred.
  • Strong teaching and public speaking skills preferred.
  • Previous experience in a legal services program preferred.
  • A minimum of two years of experience with substantive exposure representing veterans before the Regional Offices, the Board of Veterans Appeals, or the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; or two years experience as an attorney for the Board of Veterans Appeals or the VA Office of General Counsel, Litigation Group VII; or a one-year clerkship for a Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
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