Description
Staff Attorney
NVLSP Department: Training & Publications
Position Type: Hybrid – In-Person (Indianapolis, IN) / Remote
Background: The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is a high-impact, national nonprofit veterans service organization based in Arlington, Virginia. Since 1981, NVLSP’s mission has been to ensure that the U.S. government delivers to our nation’s veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families the benefits they have earned due to disabilities resulting from their military service.
NVLSP provides free legal representation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and other federal courts and agencies. The organization also serves as lead or amicus counsel in impact litigation nationwide, trains hundreds of attorneys and advocates in veterans and military law, and publishes the Veterans Benefits Manual—the nation’s first and leading veterans law treatise.
Position Summary: NVLSP seeks a Staff Attorney to support its Training & Publications Department, with a primary focus on serving veterans and veterans service officers (VSOs) in Indiana.
This role combines direct representation, legal advising, and training, offering a unique opportunity to build expertise in veterans’ law while advancing NVLSP’s national mission.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities: The Staff Attorney will have the primary responsibility of providing legal services to veterans and veterans service officers (VSOs) in Indiana by:
(1) Representing Indiana veterans before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, including preparation of written legal arguments and participation in virtual hearings;
(2) Providing legal advice and assistance to Indiana VSOs representing veterans at the VA regional office on matters ranging from basic claims for disability compensation, pension, and survivor benefits, to more complex issues such as total disability ratings based on individual unemployability, special monthly compensation, rating reductions and severance, character of discharge determinations, and requests for revision of a decision based on clear and unmistakable error; and
(3) Training Indiana VSOs in veterans’ law, including VA benefits, the VA claim and appeal process, and effective advocacy on behalf of veterans.
The attorney will also serve as a co-author of the Veterans Benefits Manual. Finally, the attorney will provide veterans law training virtually and in states other than Indiana 2-4 weeks per year.
Qualifications:
- Licensed attorney (J.D.) in good standing, admitted to practice law in Indiana (preferred) or any U.S. state (required)
- Must reside in Indiana and be able to work in Indianapolis 1-2 days per week and telework other days (required)
- At least one year of experience in veterans’ law, including practice before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and/or the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (required); more experience in veterans law preferred
- Ability to travel outside of Indiana to provide training in veterans law 2-4 weeks per year
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills
- Excellent writing and Blue Book citation skills. Law journal or similar writing experience preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
- VA-accredited (preferred)
- Military veteran (preferred)
Opening/Closing Date: Available immediately, with preferred start date before June 10, 2026; closes when filled.
Work Location: Must reside in Indiana. Must work in an office in Indianapolis 1-2 days per week and telework other days.
Salary and Benefits: NVLSP offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, retirement contributions, and generous leave policies. As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to offering competitive compensation within our budget (salary commensurate with qualifications and veterans law experience) while providing meaningful, mission-driven work and strong professional development opportunities.
Applications: Please apply on Indeed and make sure to include:
a. Resume
b. Independently drafted legal writing sample (academic, journal, brief, or memo)
c. Salary requirements
d. List of 3–4 professional references
Only applications with all required documentation will be accepted and moved to the next review phase.
All applications will be reviewed in confidence.
NVLSP is an equal opportunity employer.
