Attorney

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compressed work schedule

Opportunities for advancement

Leadership development programs

CLE qualified programs

Bar dues paid annually

Thrift Savings Plan

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

A federal department in Bedford, MA is seeking an attorney to provide litigation advocacy and advisory services. Responsibilities include representing the VA in employment litigation and psychiatric commitment hearings, advising on compliance with laws and VA policies. Qualified candidates will have a law degree from an ABA accredited school, active Massachusetts Bar membership, and relevant legal experience. The position offers excellent benefits, a collaborative environment, and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Graduates must hold active membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
• Preference for candidates with relevant legal experience.
• U.S. citizenship required for qualification.

Responsibilities

• Represent and advise the Department of Veterans Affairs on personnel issues.
• Handle litigation before agencies such as EEOC and MSPB.
• Provide legal advice pertaining to VA operations and mission.
• Advise VA officials on laws, VA policies, directives, and handbooks.

Skills

Litigation advocacy

Advisory services

Consultation

Negotiation

Education

Law degree from an ABA accredited institution

Job description

The attorney will provide litigation advocacy, advisory, consultation, and negotiation services to client facilities primarily within VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) North Atlantic District. The primary focus will be on defensive employment and labor litigation. Additionally, the attorney will represent VA in psychiatric commitment hearings in state courts. The role also involves advising and counseling clients on healthcare matters, compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and VA policies. This position offers a collaborative team environment, excellent work hours, and competitive benefits.

Duties:

The primary responsibilities include representing and advising the Department of Veterans Affairs on personnel issues and litigation before agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), as well as handling arbitrations under collective bargaining agreements, disciplinary appeals conducted under 38 U.S.C. §§ 7461‑7464, and VA grievance procedures. The attorney will also represent VA at psychiatric commitment hearings and provide legal advice to VA officials regarding matters impacting VA operations and mission. The incumbent's guidance will be based on accurate application of Federal laws and regulations, State laws, and VA policies, directives, and handbooks, considering the implications for Veterans, the public, and the overall mission of VA.

Grade level: GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14 upon hire, depending on experience; GS-14 is full promotion potential.

Location: Bedford MA

Why work at OGC?

• Compressed work schedule
• Opportunities for advancement towards GS-15 and SES positions
• Leadership development programs offered annually
• OGC offers CLE (Continuing Legal Education) qualified programs
• Interact with senior leaders on high level priorities
• Bar dues paid annually (budget determined)
• Opportunities to perform pro bono work
• Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent, with matching)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Qualifications:

Candidates must be graduates of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and hold active membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar. Preference is given to candidates with prior relevant legal experience and active practice. U.S. citizenship is required to qualify for this position.