JOBS & INTERNSHIPS

POSITIONS
Deputy Executive Director
Director, Development
Director, VA
Pro Bono Coordinator
Senior Staff/Supervising Attorney, Housing

PRO BONO
Our work with firms
Internships (undergrad and law students)

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Deputy Executive Director (PDF posting)
The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) is seeking an attorney to serve as Deputy Executive Director. This individual will work closely with the Executive Director in guiding the organization’s next phase of development. The role will focus on strengthening and growing VAP’s services while maintaining the values that shape our work. The Deputy Executive Director will help lead organizational strategy, program direction, partnerships, and fundraising.

VAP provides ensures access to health care, housing, and benefits for low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress, brain injury, substance dependency, and other mental health conditions. Through advocacy, education, and free legal services, the team fights for clients’ rights to benefits, keeps families in their homes, and empowers veterans by removing barriers to recovery and success.

We are partnered 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 helps veterans and their families achieve the stability needed to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

The Deputy Executive Director will help shape organizational priorities, strengthen partnerships, and support thoughtful growth. The role will include supervision of the civil legal services team, development of initiatives responsive to client need, participation in fundraising efforts, and collaboration with community partners, pro bono counsel, and other legal services organizations. The Deputy Executive Director will play a central role in shaping program direction, identifying opportunities to deepen impact through systemic advocacy and policy work, and helping build the leadership structure needed to support VAP’s continued growth. VAP is seeking someone interested in helping steward the organization’s next phase of development by contributing to its long-term leadership.

The role will include a reduced caseload combined with leadership responsibilities. Over time, with expansion, the balance of work is expected to shift away from case work, toward organizational leadership. The person in this position will be instrumental in making decisions about both programmatic and administrative growth at VAP.

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

Responsibilities
Will include:
Organizational Leadership
• ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making
• contributing to organizational planning and development of new initiatives based on client need and emerging issues
• helping to shape organizational structure as VAP grows, including the recruitment and hiring of attorneys, identification of future program leaders and directors
• representing VAP in partnerships, coalitions, and meetings with policymakers and community leaders

Program Development, Supervision, and Direct Representation
• helping to develop internal systems that support effective service delivery and coordination across programs
• overseeing VAP’s civil legal services practice and supervising a small team
• supporting and leading development of systemic advocacy and policy initiatives in line with VAP’s mission
• mentoring staff and supporting professional development
• maintaining a reduced caseload
• ensuring high-quality, client-centric legal advocacy
• maintaining and developing collaborations with community organizations and pro bono counsel

Fundraising
• identifying funding opportunities
• contributing to grant proposals and reports
• participating in meetings with foundations and institutional funders
• helping communicate the impact of VAP’s work

Qualifications
• current member in good standing of the New York State Bar
• 10+ years of relevant legal experience, including supervising attorneys and/or legal projects
• experience helping to build programs or contributing to development/organizational growth
• commitment to public interest work and serving low-income communities
• strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary partners
• strong communication skills and sound professional judgment
• ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on complex projects
• experience working with veterans or familiarity with VA systems is helpful but not required

Compensation: Salary will be commensurate with experience, with an expected range of $135,000 – $165,000, with generous benefits including employer-paid health insurance premiums, dental and vision plans, a retirement plan, life insurance, and EAP benefits.
Location: VAP has a small office in downtown Manhattan, but the team primarily works remotely. The role will require court appearances and participation in meetings and events across New York City regularly.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and recent legal writing sample to hiring@veteranadvocacy.org with “Deputy Executive Director” 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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Director, Development (PDF posting)

The Director of Development will lead and execute VAP’s fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Director. This role is responsible for managing and growing diversified revenue streams that include foundation grants, law firm and corporate support, individual donors, and events.

The Director of Development will build systems and relationships that sustain long-term growth. We are looking for a hands-on development professional who is comfortable operating in a small organization, taking initiative, and building strong relationships with funders.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy and Leadership
• Develop and implement an annual fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities
• Partner with the Executive Director on long-term development planning and revenue forecasting
• Help shape messaging about VAP’s impact, growth, and strategic direction
• Support board engagement in fundraising and relationship development

Foundation and Institutional Funding
• Manage foundation portfolio, including prospect research, proposal development, and reporting
• Identify new foundation opportunities aligned with VAP’s mission
• Develop compelling grant narratives that clearly articulate VAP’s work and impact
• Track deadlines and deliverables to ensure strong funder relationships

Law Firm, Corporate, and Individual Giving
• Cultivate relationships that support VAP through pro bono partnerships and philanthropy
• Grow individual donor base
• >Develop materials to support donor cultivation and stewardship
• Strengthen engagement pathways for supporters interested in long-term partnership with VAP

Events and Communications
• Steward and grow revenue from VAP’s annual Service Awards; strategize for future fundraising events
• Collaborate on communications and materials for donors
• Ensure consistent messaging across proposals, presentations, and donor outreach

Systems and Infrastructure
• Maintain organized tracking systems for fundraising activities and donor relationships
• Develop processes that support sustainable development operations as the organization grows
• Coordinate with finance and program staff to track, analyze, and report deliverables and impact data

Qualifications
• 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience
• Familiarity with New York philanthropic landscape
• Demonstrated success securing foundation grants and cultivating donor relationships
• Strong writing skills, including experience drafting grant proposals
• Ability to translate programmatic work into compelling narratives
• Experience working collaboratively with organizational leadership
• Comfort working with a very small, growing team, with an evolving infrastructure
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines

Preferred:
• Experience fundraising for legal services or veteran- and military-focused organizations
• Experience working with law firms

Salary: Compensation is commensurate with experience, with a range of $90,000 to $130,000; generous benefits package including employer-paid health insurance premiums, dental and vision plans, 401K, life insurance, EAP, and discounts, etc.
Location: VAP has a small office in downtown Manhattan but the team mostly works remotely.
To Apply: please send a cover letter and resume  to hiring@veteranadvocacy.org with “Development” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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Director, VA (PDF posting)
The Veteran Advocacy Project (VAP) seeks an attorney to lead our veterans law practice, supervising a small team and providing representation to veterans in appeals before the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VAP ensures access to health care, housing, and benefits for low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress, brain injury, substance dependency, and other mental health conditions. Through advocacy, education, and free legal services, the team fights for clients’ rights to benefits, keeps families in their homes, and empowers veterans by removing barriers to recovery and success.

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, disability benefits appeals with a focus on mental health related claims, and any other claims, as needed and as the attorney chooses. The work will include outreach at partner sites, communication with social workers and case managers, reviewing staff work, and taking on appeals by gathering evidence, preparing briefs, and representing veterans in hearings. The attorney will also work with the team on systemic advocacy efforts and will collaborate with the executive director on fundraising to expand the practice. The ideal candidate is someone who has ideas for programmatic development, along with experience fundraising for and implementing new initiatives.

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 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 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;
• Work with ED and Director of Finance on funding (reporting, new opportunities, etc.);
• Track client information in a database, 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 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
• Minimum six years’ experience in veterans law;
  • Knowledge and practice in VA claims, including character of discharge applications and disability compensation appeals for PTSD and other mental health conditions;
  • Experience with VA hearings at both regional level and BVA, experience at CAVC preferred;
• 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 and mentor junior staff;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and veterans’ rights.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $110,000 – $135,000, along with a benefits package, including employer-paid healthcare premiums, life insurance, 401K, etc.
Location: VAP is a hybrid environment where staff work from home but conduct outreach and attend events in person. Proximity to the New York metropolitan area is strongly preferred to oversee and facilitate our partnerships but not required.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample with a VA character of discharge brief to hiring@veteranadvocacy.org with “VA Director” 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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Pro Bono Coordinator
Coming soon!

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Senior Staff/Supervising Attorney, Housing

VAP ensures access to health care, housing, and benefits for low-income veterans and their families, with a focus on those living with post-traumatic stress, brain injury, substance dependency, and other mental health conditions. We are partnered with VA hospitals, 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 appropriate social services. With a dedicated team, VAP enables veterans to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

Our civil legal services are centered around homelessness prevention partnerships with two social services agencies. VAP also has partnerships with community clinics, Vet Centers, veteran treatment courts, and others. These collaborations are instrumental in assisting clients as holistically as possible to address the root causes of legal issues. Our services provide access to health care and benefits, reduce contact with the justice system, keep veterans and their families in their homes, and empower veterans by removing barriers to success.  

The individual in this position will coordinate staff advocacy within the civil practice, ensuring that civil legal services are holistic. The attorney will supervise an advocate and a staff attorney and will work on: identifying opportunities to create initiatives in response to community needs, participating in veterans events in communities across New York, testifying on behalf of the organization at various hearings, participating in monthly meetings with Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) partners, and carrying a modified caseload (that includes full representation).

We do not have any right-to-counsel/housing contracts with NYC. While the bulk of our general civil work focuses on housing stability, there is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of the practice. Candidates should have experience in housing court as well as general knowledge in the areas of consumer finance, government benefits, and/or child support. Knowledge of veterans benefits is a plus; a willingness to learn about VA systems is a must.

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

• Coordinate a small team representing veterans in civil legal matters overseeing day-to-day operations, including outreach, partnerships, caseloads, and workflow;
• Supervise intake;
• Represent a reduced caseload of clients in housing court and administrative hearings;
• Conduct intake and/or trainings, and participate in special events at partner organizations’ sites; provide telephone and/or written advice to clients as needed;
• Research legal issues, with a focus on housing law and public benefits;
• Work with the team on case strategies and integration of services across practice areas;   
• Track client information in our database and prepare reports for partners;
• Perform administrative tasks related to the work.

Qualifications

• JD and current membership in good standing of the New York State Bar;
• Minimum 4 years of experience;
• Positive track record leading a team;
• Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative, make decisions, and follow through on ideas;
• Efficacy in organizing and prioritizing;
• Demonstrated proficiency in legal research; excellent analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Efficient and meticulous attention to detail and deadlines;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a commitment to providing trauma-informed services and working 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.

Salary is commensurate with experience, with a range of $100,000 to $120,000; generous benefits package including health insurance with no employee contribution to premiums, dental/vision plans, 401K, life insurance, EAP, and discounts, etc.
Location: VAP has a small office in downtown Manhattan but the team mostly works remotely. While the person in this role can work from home, this position does require being in court and regularly attending events across New York City.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and recent legal writing sample to hiring@veteranadvocacy.org with “Civil Practice” 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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PRO BONO

General
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. With an Other Than Honorable discharge most vets will be turned away from the VA. We are not only punishing injury, we are cutting veterans off 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, our hands-on approach 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.

Firms and corporations from around the country have volunteered their time with DUC. See some of the firms that are giving and have given their time to VAP discharge cases.

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INTERNSHIPS