Washington DC-Baltimore Area
Veterans Law Judges preside over formal, quasi-judicial hearings, adjudicate appeals, and issue written decisions. On behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Law Judges decide all questions of law and fact necessary to a decision by the Secretary under a law that affects the provision of benefits and services by the Secretary to Veterans and their dependents and survivors. Veterans Law Judges exercise certain powers as provided by law and exercise independent judgment in resolving appeals. In addition to the judicial duties of presiding over hearings and adjudicating and issuing appellate decisions, each Veterans Law Judge supervises a cadre of decision-writing attorneys and/or law clerks; provides training, as necessary, to colleagues and attorneys on matters of substantive and procedural Veterans' law; ensures cases are decided efficiently and expeditiously in accordance with the law; mentors and develops the attorneys and/or law clerks; is a collaborative member of the Board of Veterans' Appeals team; and adheres to the Department's ICARE values (integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence) while maintaining the highest ethical standards of public service.
Currently, teaching Lawyer Bargaining, an experiential course that addresses negotiation and mediation. , As a former trial and appellate judge with the military, I provide informative CLE presentations with a focus on areas of ethics, judicial canons, conflicts & recusals, personal relationships, social media, political activity, appellate practice and independent research by judicial staff,
- Provided in-depth legal analysis to presidentially appointed judge on all court matters - Mentored clerks and worked closely with them in the production of bench books and memos - Advised and presented CLE lectures on judicial ethics issues