Staff Attorney - Veterans Benefits & Discharge Upgrades

Connecticut Veterans Legal Center; West Haven (CT); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

Sick leave

Family-friendly workplace

Job summary

The Connecticut Veterans Legal Center (CVLC) seeks a Staff Attorney to join its Veterans Affairs and Military Unit (VAMU). The role focuses on discharge upgrades and military records corrections before the DoD, VA benefits claims, and pardon applications.

This full-time, hybrid position offers opportunities to take responsibility within a growing organization, collaborate with clinicians and volunteers, and advocate for veterans at hearings and appeals.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the practice of law in Connecticut or another state.
• Experience representing clients as a licensed lawyer.
• Ability to work with low-income and psychiatric-need clients.
• Willingness to learn and practice in multiple areas of law.
• Comfort with technology and a paperless office environment.
• Ability to work well with a multidisciplinary team including clinicians.

Responsibilities

• Discharge upgrades and military records corrections before DoD administrative boards.
• Handle VA benefits claims and appeals, including disability compensation and related matters.
• Pardon applications and representation at hearings as needed.
• Represent clients before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims when appropriate.
• Interview clients, analyze records, gather evidence, develop case strategy, draft applications and briefs.
• Manage caseload, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate client records.
• Coordinate with VA clinicians and community partners; train and assist volunteer attorneys.
• Contribute to practice improvement and policy advocacy through trainings or conferences.

Skills

Admitted to practice law in CT or a US

Administrative law experience

Client interviewing & counseling

Team collaboration

Job description

The Connecticut Veterans Legal Center (CVLC) seeks a Staff Attorney to join its Veterans Affairs and Military Unit (VAMU). The role focuses on discharge upgrades and military records corrections before the DoD, VA benefits claims, and pardon applications.

This full-time, hybrid position offers opportunities to take responsibility within a growing organization, collaborate with clinicians and volunteers, and advocate for veterans at hearings and appeals.