JOBS & VOLUNTEERING

The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) seeks an attorney to lead our discharge upgrade practice.

VAP provides free legal services to low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury, and substance dependency. The VA’s records indicate that an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day—too many struggle with mental health conditions and the effects of trauma. Our services provide access to health care and benefits, open the door to education and employment, keep families in their homes, and empower veterans by removing barriers to recovery. We partner with VA Vet centers, community health clinics, and veterans’ organizations to reach individuals where they are. While our attorneys tackle legal challenges, our advocates connect clients with appropriate resources.

The ideal candidate is someone who has ideas for programmatic development, experience implementing initiatives, understands the challenges of fundraising, and enjoys supervising new attorneys. Our organization has a full docket of discharge upgrade applications, including a long waitlist for services. While this position will be a management/supervisory role, we are a small organization so there is case work, as well. In line with our mission, our DU cases focus on the unjust treatment of individuals living with mental illness and those experiencing symptoms from the impact of trauma, both mental and physical. Our work covers discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other characteristics subject to prejudice.

We are looking for an attorney who believes in a client-centric approach, which includes connecting veterans to partner services outside the legal sphere. The attorney should be someone who wants to fight for clients no matter the era, amount of time in service, justice involvement, discharge, or type of injury.

The position requires that the individual oversee staff (currently one staff attorney and a number of law students), research and write applications and briefs, collaborate with providers to obtain forensic psychiatric/psychological evaluations and maintain relationships with forensic programs, oversee the management of a pro bono docket, and appear before Department of Defense Review Boards. The attorney will also work with the executive director on systemic advocacy efforts and on fundraising to expand the practice.

Individuals with military service, prior experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, people of all gender identities, people from underrepresented communities, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients before DOD boards and potentially in federal court;
• Write discharge upgrade applications and briefs;
• Screen (supervise the screening of) veterans for relief, including exhaustive investigation of military history, post-service conduct, and medical records;
• Share responsibility in overseeing law students working on investigations and briefs;
• Organize programs for and provide guidance to pro bono attorneys;
• Collaborate with expert witnesses, including forensic mental health professionals;
• Research legal issues, with a focus on military discharges;
• Provide telephone and/or written advice to clients;
• Supervise and work with staff on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs as holistically as possible;
• Work with the ED to shape policy positions and advocacy agenda;
• Assist in fundraising for the program, including identifying new sources and contributing to grant applications;
• Track client information in our database, run reports required by funders, attend meetings, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:

• Current member in good standing of a state bar;
• Minimum five years’ experience in veterans law matters:
• Knowledge of the discharge upgrade and records correction processes, including experience drafting applications to the BCMRs/BCNR and DRBs;
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, including a commitment to trauma-informed services and the ability to assist people living with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Ability to work independently with strong motivation and initiative, to meet deadlines, and to be flexible;
• Experience managing projects and teams;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of UCMJ, DODI, and branch regulations;
• Experience working with expert witnesses, specifically forensic mental health professionals.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and in the range of $88,000 – $118,000. Full benefits package including employer-paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, dental and vision plans, 401K, etc.

Location: The job is remote but proximity to the New York Metropolitan area is preferred given that the position is primarily supported by a contract with the City of New York (along with various grants).

To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to [email protected] and include “Director” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We read every application with care but regret that we are unable to respond to all inquiries and will contact only those candidates selected for further consideration.

Veteran Advocacy Project, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, immigration status, gender or gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status, predisposing genetic characteristics, survivor of domestic/intimate partner violence status, or marital or partnership status.

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VAP provides free legal services to low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and mental health conditions. We are partnered with VA hospitals, community health clinics, and local veterans’ groups to reach veterans where they are. While our attorneys tackle the legal challenges, our advocates ensure that our clients are connected to culturally appropriate social services. With a dedicated team, VAP enables veterans to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

The attorney will work with other members of VAP to address the legal needs of low-income veterans in a holistic manner. VAP focuses on advocacy that enables veterans to access VA health care and benefits. The director will: supervise a very small but growing team; collaborate with partner organizations with a particular focus on our medical-legal partnerships in NYC; carry a modified case load, providing representation in VA character of discharge (COD) determinations, VA overpayments, and disability benefits appeals with a focus on mental health related claims. The work will include outreach at partner sites, communication with social workers and case managers, reviewing staff work, and taking on both applications and appeals by gathering evidence, preparing briefs, and representing veterans in hearings.

Individuals with military service, prior experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, people of all gender identities, people from underrepresented communities, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:
• Represent clients before the VA, and potentially in federal court; write COD and service-connected compensation appeals, along with various other VA claims;
• Supervise a small team;
• Screen veterans for relief, with exhaustive investigation of military history and medical records;
• Oversee individual assignments for law student’s working on investigations, claims, and briefs;
• Collaborate with forensic mental health professionals;
• Research legal issues, with a focus on military discharges and VA character eligibility;
• Provide telephone and/or written advice to clients;
• Provide thorough referrals to connect clients with other services; work with other staff on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs;
• Work with the ED and staff to shape policy positions and the organization’s advocacy goals;
• Track client information in a database, contribute to reports required by funders, attend meetings, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:
• Current member in good standing of a state bar (New York preferred);
• Accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs;
• Minimum five years’ experience in veterans law;
o Knowledge and practice in VA claims, including character of discharge applications and disability compensation appeals for PTSD and other mental health conditions;
o Experience with VA hearings at both the Regional Office level and the BVA;
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to work well with people living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Ability to work independently with strong self-motivation, to meet deadlines, to be flexible, and to collaborate with junior staff;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ rights.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $90,000 – $120,000, along with a benefits package, including employer-paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, 401K, etc.

Location: VAP is a hybrid environment with some of the team working entirely remotely. Location is flexible but proximity to the New York Metropolitan area is preferred in order to oversee and facilitate our many partnerships.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample, preferably a VA character of discharge brief, to [email protected] with “VA Director” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position is planned for late fall 2024, but we would be happy to have someone join us as soon as possible.

Veteran Advocacy Project, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, immigration status, gender or gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status, predisposing genetic characteristics, survivor of domestic/intimate partner violence status, or marital or partnership status.

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The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) seeks an attorney to lead our veterans law practice, representing veterans in claims and appeals with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VAP provides free legal services to low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and mental health conditions. We are partnered with VA hospitals, community health clinics, and local veterans’ groups to reach veterans where they are. While our attorneys tackle the legal challenges, our advocates ensure that our clients are connected to culturally appropriate social services. With a dedicated team, VAP enables veterans to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

The attorney will work with other members of the team to address the legal needs of low-income veterans in a holistic manner. VAP’s VA practice focuses on enabling veterans to gain access to VA health care and benefits. The attorney will collaborate with partner organizations with a particular focus on our medical legal partnerships with VA facilities in NYC and carry a full caseload, providing representation in VA character of discharge (COD) determinations, VA overpayments, and disability benefits appeals primarily for mental health-related claims. The work will include outreach at partner sites, communication with social workers and case managers, and work on legal appeals including gathering evidence, preparing briefs, and representing veterans in hearings.

Individuals with military service, prior experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, people of all gender identities, people from underrepresented communities, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:
• Represent clients before the VA, and potentially in federal court; write COD and service-connected compensation appeals, along with various other VA claims;
• Screen veterans for relief, with exhaustive investigation of military history and medical records;
• Oversee individual assignments for law student’s working on investigations, claims, and briefs;
• Collaborate with forensic mental health professionals;
• Research legal issues, with a focus on military discharges and VA character eligibility;
• Provide telephone and/or written advice to clients;
• Provide thorough referrals to connect clients with other services; work with other staff on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs;
• Work with the VAP team to shape policy positions and the organization’s advocacy goals;
• Track client information in our database, contribute to reports required by funders, attend meetings, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:
• Current member in good standing of a state bar (New York preferred);
• Accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs;
• Minimum five years’ experience in veterans law matters:
    o Knowledge and practice in VA claims, including character of discharge applications and disability compensation appeals for PTSD and other mental health conditions;
    o Experience with VA hearings at the Regional Office level and at the BVA;
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to work well with people living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Ability to work independently with strong self-motivation, to meet deadlines, to be flexible, and to collaborate with junior staff;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ rights.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $84,000 – $110,000, along with a benefits package, including employer-paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, 401K, etc. VAP is a hybrid environment with some of the team working entirely remotely. This position involves outreach in New York City, including intake, service fairs, and other events across the five boroughs; so, while the individual may work from home, proximity to the New York Metropolitan area is required in order to oversee and facilitate our many partnerships.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample, preferably a VA character of discharge brief, to [email protected] with “VA Attorney” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Veteran Advocacy Project, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, immigration status, gender or gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status, predisposing genetic characteristics, survivor of domestic/intimate partner violence status, or marital or partnership status.

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The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) provides free legal services to low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, brain injury, and substance dependency. The VA’s records indicate that an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day—too many struggle with mental health conditions and the effects of trauma. Our services provide access to health care and benefits, open the door to education and employment, keep families in their homes, and empower veterans by removing barriers to recovery.

VAP represents veterans and their families in three main practice areas. Our general civil legal services practice is centered around homelessness prevention. In addition to providing advice and referrals on a variety of legal issues, VAP represents veterans and their families in court and administrative hearings. Our Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) practice represents veterans on character of discharge determinations, overpayments, mental health disability compensation appeals, apportionment, and GI Bill issues. VAP’s Department of Defense (“DOD”) practice fights to correct unjust less-than-honorable discharges that brand a veteran for life and increase the likelihood of justice-involvement, suicide, and homelessness. VAP partners with VA Vet centers, community health clinics, and veterans’ organizations to reach individuals where they are. While our attorneys tackle the legal challenges, our advocates connect clients to culturally competent, trauma-informed resources.

VAP seeks an attorney with experience representing clients in one or more of the following areas: housing court matters, Social Security and/or other public benefits appeals, family court matters, or consumer debt cases. The staff attorney will provide advice, representation, and referrals in housing, family law, public benefits, consumer debt, and other civil legal matters. The staff attorney will work with partners in our MLPs and with the SSVF teams at collaborating social services agencies. The staff attorney will be expected to appear, in person, when required by courts/administrative entities, to staff weekly in-person intake clinics, as well as attend occasional resource fairs in any of the five boroughs. At all other times, the staff attorney will have the ability to work remotely.

VAP believes a diverse team is essential to our work. Candidates with military service, prior experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, women, people of color, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients in New York City courts and in administrative hearings;
• Conduct intake, training, and special events at partner organizations’ sites;
• Provide telephonic and/or written advice to clients as needed;
• Research legal issues;
• Work with the VAP team on case strategies and integration of services to meet clients’ needs;
• Track client information in our database, attend team meetings, supervise interns, perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications:

• J.D. and current membership in good standing of the New York State Bar;
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in legal services;
• Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative; efficacy in organizing and prioritizing;
• Demonstrated proficiency in legal research; excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a commitment to providing trauma-informed services and the ability to work with people living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury;
• Dedication to serving all clients, without regard to discharge status or justice involvement.

  Compensation: The salary for this position will be based on an annual rate in the range of $86,000 – $115,000 and will be commensurate with experience. Full benefits package including employer paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, dental and vision plans, 401K, etc. All employees are provided with a laptop, mobile phone, printer-scanner, and home office supplies.

  To apply: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in an email with “[YourLastName], Civil Attorney” in the subject line to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

  The Veteran Advocacy Project is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, gender/gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, reproductive health decisions, caregiver status, status as a victim/survivor of domestic violence, or marital/partner status.

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VAP welcomes partnerships with law firms that would like to take on pro bono cases. There is a great need for family law services, representation in housing court, and assistance with military discharge upgrades. To learn more about volunteering with VAP please email us with “pro bono” in the subject line.

Discharge Upgrade Clinic: When servicemembers leave the military their discharge status determines what benefits, if any, they are eligible to receive. A bad discharge can be a barrier to employment, benefits, and health care. Worse, veterans with less than honorable discharges take their lives at two to three times the rate of other veterans. Many of our servicemembers are given less-than-honorable discharges due to misconduct connected to mis- or undiagnosed post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. From 2011-2015, of the servicemembers who were discharged for misconduct, 62 percent had already been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or a related mental health condition.   With an Other Than Honorable discharge most will be turned away from the VA. We are not only punishing injury, we are cutting them of from the very care they need to heal.

VAP is fighting to get these veterans the resources they deserve. For firms who would like to take on cases, we have a “hands-on” approach that includes a launch training, ongoing guidance, brief-editing, and we will coordinate moot hearings in preparation for any DRB appearances; we also have an online resource center with videos, sample applications, and more.

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VAP accepts law students and undergraduate applicants who will receive credit for the internship or who have a public interest grant. If you would like to intern with VAP but do not have funding in place, we will support your application for a grant or scholarship. A good place to start is your school’s public interest/career office. You can also search this free national database that is updated daily (requires registration). For more information about our internships, please see the opportunities below: