Staff Attorney - Veterans Disability Benefits

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island; Johnston (RI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Competitive non-profit salary based on experience

Job summary

A nonprofit organization for veterans is seeking a mission-driven Staff Attorney to represent veterans seeking disability benefits. This full-time role is ideal for an entry-level attorney passionate about public interest law and veterans advocacy. Primary responsibilities include legal representation, claims preparation, and collaboration with service providers. The position requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations, alongside competitive salary and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Admission to the bar in Rhode Island or eligibility for prompt admission.
• Commitment to serving veterans and working in a nonprofit environment.
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Commitment to serving veterans in a nonprofit environment.
• Veterans law, disability law, or administrative law coursework/experience preferred.
• Experience working with veterans or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Accreditation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to represent claimants preferred.
• Competitive nonprofit salary based on experience preferred.
• Health benefits and paid time off preferred.
• Meaningful public interest legal work supporting Rhode Island veterans preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent veterans in disability compensation claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Prepare and file initial claims, supplemental claims, and appeals.
• Collaborate with case managers and service providers to address broader veteran needs.
• Review military service records, medical records, and VA rating decisions.
• Draft legal arguments, briefs, and evidentiary submissions.
• Conduct client intake interviews and case evaluations.
• Collaborate with case managers and service providers to address broader veteran needs.
• Participate in veterans legal clinics and community outreach events.
• Maintain accurate case files and ensure compliance with program requirements.

Skills

Legal research

Writing skills

Advocacy skills

Public interest values

Nonprofit experience

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Job description

Now Hiring: Staff Attorney – Veterans Disability Benefits

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Organization: Operation Stand Down Rhode Island

Position Type: Full-Time | Entry-Level Attorney (0–3 Years Experience)

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About the Organization

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island is a leading nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk veterans achieve stable housing, meaningful employment, and long-term self-sufficiency. Through legal services, housing programs, employment assistance, and supportive services, the organization serves thousands of Rhode Island veterans each year.

Position Overview

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island is seeking a mission-driven Staff Attorney to represent veterans seeking disability compensation and related benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for an entry-level attorney interested in public interest law, administrative law, and veterans advocacy. The attorney will work closely with experienced advocates and service providers to help veterans obtain the benefits they earned through military service.

Primary Responsibilities

• Represent veterans in disability compensation claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Prepare and file initial claims, supplemental claims, and appeals.
• Represent clients before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
• Review military service records, medical records, and VA rating decisions.
• Draft legal arguments, briefs, and evidentiary submissions.
• Conduct client intake interviews and case evaluations.
• Collaborate with case managers and service providers to address broader veteran needs.
• Participate in veterans legal clinics and community outreach events.
• Maintain accurate case files and ensure compliance with program requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission to the bar in Rhode Island or eligibility for prompt admission
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
• Commitment to serving veterans and working in a nonprofit environment

Preferred

• Coursework or experience in veterans law, disability law, or administrative law
• Experience working with veterans or vulnerable populations
• Accreditation (or willingness to obtain accreditation) with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to represent claimants
• Competitive nonprofit salary based on experience
• Health benefits and paid time off
• Meaningful public interest legal work supporting Rhode Island veterans

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Writing sample

Applications may be submitted to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island at: [e-mail]