Attorney

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking attorneys to join the Office of General Counsel Midwest District in Chicago (Westchester, IL) to provide litigation advocacy, legal consultation, and negotiation support.

The role emphasizes defensive employment and labor litigation and state court psychiatric commitment hearings, with guidance on healthcare operations and compliance. Candidates should have a J.D.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school.
• Active State Bar membership in good standing.
• Experience in employment law or litigation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent and advise VA on personnel matters and litigation before EEOC, MSPB, and FLRA.
• Handle labor arbitrations and disciplinary appeals under 38 U.S.C. §§ 7461–7464.
• Represent VA in psychiatric commitment hearings in state court.
• Provide legal guidance on healthcare operations, compliance, and VA policies.

Skills

Litigation

Employment law

Legal consultation

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Bar admission in good standing

Job description

The US Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking talented attorneys to join the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) Midwest District in Chicago (Westchester Ill). In this role, you will provide litigation advocacy, legal consultation, and negotiation support to VA facilities. Your primary focus will be defensive employment and labor litigation, along with representing VA in psychiatric commitment hearings in state courts. You will also advise leadership on healthcare operations, compliance, and the application of federal and state law. This position offers a collaborative team culture, balanced work hours, and competitive federal benefits.

• Grade level: GS‑12, GS‑13, or GS‑14, depending on experience (GS‑14 is full promotion potential).

Key Responsibilities

• Represent and advise the Department of Veterans Affairs on personnel matters and litigation before the EEOC, Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), and Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA).
• Handle labor arbitrations, disciplinary appeals under 38 U.S.C. §§ 7461–7464, and VA grievance procedures.
• Represent VA in psychiatric commitment hearings in state court.
• Provide legal guidance to VA officials on issues impacting agency operations, healthcare delivery, and mission priorities.
• Interpret and apply federal law, state law, and VA policies with attention to their impact on Veterans, employees, and the public.

Why Join OGC?

• Compressed and flexible work schedules.
• Clear advancement pathways to GS‑15 and Senior Executive Service roles.
• Access to OGC-sponsored CLE opportunities.
• Regular collaboration with senior VA leaders on high‑impact initiatives.
• Annual bar dues paid (subject to budget).
• Thrift Savings Plan with matching (401(k) equivalent).
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with a State Bar.
• Relevant legal experience strongly preferred, particularly in employment law or litigation.