Staff Attorney - Veterans Benefits & Appeals

Swords-to-Plowshare; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Legal benefits & discounts

Lunch/education allowances

Job summary

Swords to Plowshares invites applications for a full-time Staff Attorney to join our Legal Services Unit in San Francisco. The Staff Attorney will provide legal assistance to veterans, including initial interviewing, brief advice, and full‑scope representation before VA benefits claims and discharge boards.

Responsibilities include researching and preparing evidence, drafting briefs, and representing clients at hearings.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in the United States (California bar not required).
• Experience with unhoused clients, trauma survivors, or veterans issues preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide brief legal advice and full‑scope representation to veterans before VA benefits claims and discharge boards.
• Review and develop evidence from medical records, military records, and other sources for case evaluation.
• Conduct legal research and draft briefs for hearings before VA RO, Board of Veterans Appeals, and DoD boards.
• Coordinate case strategy within the legal team and prepare written materials on veterans law.
• Attend meetings, submit reports, and support program services integration.

Skills

Strong written and oral comms

Legal research and writing

Independent and team work

MS Word & case management

English communication

Professional judgment

Self-sufficient

Calm under pressure

Mission-driven

Education

Juris Doctor

Bar admission (US)

Job description

Swords to Plowshares invites applications for a full-time Staff Attorney to join our Legal Services Unit in San Francisco. The Staff Attorney will provide legal assistance to veterans, including initial interviewing, brief advice, and full‑scope representation before VA benefits claims and discharge boards.

Responsibilities include researching and preparing evidence, drafting briefs, and representing clients at hearings.