The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has exclusive jurisdiction over decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board). The Court reviews Board decisions appealed by claimants who believe the Board erred in its decision. The Court's review of Board decisions is based on the record before the agency and arguments of the parties, which are presented in written briefs, with oral argument generally held only in cases presenting new legal issues.
Learn more about this agency
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties and Responsibilities: The Confidential Assistant (akin to a Judicial Assistant in many federal courts) is responsible for the following:
- Case tracking and the administrative operations of the chambers, including creating and maintaining physical and electronic case files; updating the status of assigned cases in the electronic chambers log; and submitting orders, decisions, and opinions for issuance through a Court electronic case management system.
- Planning and coordinating meetings; assisting in the scheduling of oral arguments and conferences; coordinating the Judge's official travel arrangements; and processing time and attendance records of chambers staff.
- Drafting orders and decisions; preparing emails, notes, letters, and other documents as directed; reviewing outgoing documents for proper format, spelling, and grammar; assisting law clerks with routine case management matters; and organizing materials in preparation for oral argument and/or case conferences.
- Other duties as assigned.
Conditions of Employment: A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of fingerprinting and a background security investigation with favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. Appointment and continuing service are also subject to the applicant residing within 35 miles of the Court.
Qualification Requirements: To qualify for the position of Confidential Assistant, an applicant must be a high school graduate, or the equivalent, and must have the following experience.
CS
Grade Level
Years of
General Experience
Years of Specialized
Experience
Total Years
Of Experience
Note: One year of the required experience (specialized, if that is required at the grade level) must have been at, or equivalent to, the next lower grade in the federal service.
General Experience: Progressively responsible general clerical or secretarial experience which includes filing, telephone usage and etiquette, typing, and word processing skills.
Specialized Experience: Progressively responsible secretarial experience as the principal office assistant in a court, chambers, or law office. (Note: All federal court experience can qualify as specialized experience.)
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; attention to detail; high ethical standards; a positive work attitude; the ability to be proactive and use initiative; and the ability to interact with judges, court staff, and others with tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Knowledge of electronic case management systems and Westlaw or Lexis is preferred.
Applicant must be a high school graduate, or the equivalent.
Note: Applicants applying for a 5- or 10-point preference must submit proof of their eligibility, along with their application, for the preference to be considered.
Note: Chambers is currently using a hybrid work schedule, combining telework and in-office work, which may be subject to change.
This appointment is made without regard to Title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service. All appointments are excepted service.
The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once your completed application package is received, we will conduct an evaluation and the selected candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for future consideration and possible interview.
Application must include the following materials:
- List of references with contact information
- Completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment, available at www.uscourts.cavc.gov/documents/of306.pdf
See 'How to Apply' for instructions.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Submit application to Judge Laurer's Confidential Assistant, Mr. Ed McGugin, at emcgugin@uscourts.cavc.gov. Email application materials in .pdf format and combined into one attachment.
Edward McGugin
Email
EMcGugin@uscourts.cavc.gov
Address
US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
625 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20004
US
Once your completed application package is received, we will conduct an evaluation and the selected candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for future consideration and possible interview.
Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/30/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 30, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$77,771 - $111,087 per year
Equivalent GS 10/11, salary range including Washington-Baltimore-Arlington 2026 Locality Pay.
Pay scale & grade
CS 10 - 11
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 0301 Miscellaneous Administration And Program
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
26-12
