Launch Your Career as a Legal Assistant with the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you looking to pivot into a challenging and rewarding federal career? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a dedicated Legal Assistant to join the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Litigation Group (CALG) in Washington, D.C. This role offers the opportunity to support the legal team responsible for representing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, ensuring that those who served our nation receive the attention and legal representation they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Legal Assistant, you will act as a vital link in the litigation chain. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Case Management: Reviewing databases and docket sheets to update attorney status.
Correspondence: Preparing and mailing official correspondence and coordinating responses with agency staff.
Deadline Management: Tracking critical court deadlines and ensuring all evidence is assembled in accordance with procedural rules.
Confidentiality: Utilizing discretion when handling sensitive legal documents and protected information.
Support: Distinguishing between different types of legal documents and recognizing matters that require immediate or expedited attention.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-6	GS-7	GS-8
Focus	General Inquiries	Interrelated Assistance	Specialized Procedural Review
Complexity	Basic Research	Document Review	Strategy Recommendations
Independence	Support Activities	Specific Assignments	Jurisdictional Motion Support

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet several key criteria:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal positions.
Experience: You must demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Documentation: Submission of an SF-50 is mandatory for current/former federal employees to verify time-in-grade.
Formatting: Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $51,957 to $83,119 per year, commensurate with grade and experience. Employees also enjoy federal benefits, including:

Eligibility for ad hoc telework.
Federal annual and sick leave accrual.
Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Potential for promotion to the GS-8 full performance level.

Application Tips

Refine Your Resume: Since there is a strict two-page limit, focus only on the most relevant experience and skills that match the job description.
Verify Eligibility: If you are a current federal employee, ensure your most recent SF-50 is attached and clearly shows your current grade.
Use the Right Tools: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you comply with formatting standards.
Practice Assessments: If you are required to take the USA Hire assessment, visit the online resource center to familiarize yourself with the format.

Working as a Legal Assistant at the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a unique opportunity to blend administrative excellence with a mission of national importance. If you possess the required legal research skills and a commitment to accuracy, this role is a perfect stepping stone for a long-term federal career.

Why This Legal Assistant Job Matters

Launch your legal career in the heart of the federal justice system, supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs in their critical litigation efforts.

Legal Assistant Job Overview

The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Litigation Group (CALG) is seeking a detail-oriented Legal Assistant to join its professional team in Washington, D.C. In this role, you will perform essential litigation support, coordinate case deadlines, manage electronic records, and provide administrative expertise to attorneys and paralegal specialists as they represent the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Requirements for Legal Assistant

U.S. Citizenship
Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Must meet Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements if a current or former federal employee
One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level
Must pass background and security investigations
Must adhere to a one-year probationary or two-year trial period
Submission of all required forms including SF-50s and relevant transcripts
Maximum two-page limit for resumes to comply with Merit Hiring Plan

Preferred Qualifications for Legal Assistant

Experience managing complex legal databases and docketing systems
Proficiency in federal court rules of practice and procedure
Strong communication skills for interacting with public and VA officials
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Demonstrated organizational skills for managing multiple deadlines simultaneously

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Ad hoc telework eligibility
✓Federal leave accrual based on service time
✓Career advancement potential up to GS-8
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Professional development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Legal Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Legal Assistant Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume following the strict two-page limit and formatting requirements.
Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaire.
Submit all required documentation, including SF-50 forms and DD-214 if applicable.
Complete the required online USA Hire competency assessments if prompted.
Track your application status through the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your hours worked per week and specific duties.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page constraint.
Check for any required SF-50 documents to verify your time-in-grade eligibility.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Complete the USA Hire assessments as early as possible within the 48-hour window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely for this position?

This is not a virtual position, though it is eligible for ad hoc, situational telework based on agency policy.

What is the maximum length allowed for my resume?

Effective September 27, 2025, resumes must not exceed two pages to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan.

Is a security clearance required?

No, a security clearance is not required for this position; however, you will undergo a background/suitability investigation.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, the system will not accept resumes exceeding two pages, and you will be rated as ineligible.

What if I have a disability?

The VA encourages applications from persons with disabilities and offers reasonable accommodations for the assessment process.

How do I track my application?

You can monitor your status at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and viewing your active application record.

Job from General Counsel

The VA’s Office of the General Counsel, specifically Professional Staff Group VII (PSG VII), provides critical legal services. The mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military and for their families. By joining this group, you become part of an essential team that handles complex litigation, appeals, and regulatory compliance.