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Hutter Sworn in as VA's General Counsel

Paul J. Hutter, a former Army infantry officer and long-time employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), was sworn in yesterday as the Department's General Counsel.

"Paul Hutter has a track record of dedication to the needs of America's veterans and a commitment to the highest principles of law," said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. "His proven leadership will be critical as VA enhances its programs to meet the needs of 21st century veterans, while honoring our commitments to veterans from earlier eras."

Hutter has served for 15 years in VA's Office of General Counsel in positions of increasing responsibility in both headquarters and field offices. He has served as Acting General Counsel, Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning, and Executive in Charge of Human Resources and Administration.

He attended the University of Santa Clara Law School and has a masters degree in business administration from Pepperdine University. He received an LL.M. at the Judge Advocate General's School in 1987, and is admitted to practice in California, Hawaii and Virginia.

He served for 30 years in the Army and Army Reserve as an infantry officer and judge advocate, supervising lawyers as a staff officer and commander.

Hutter served on a team dealing with the transition of the interim government in Iraq. He was also recalled to active duty to assist with the development of a military commission process to support the Global War on Terror.

As the department's chief attorney, Hutter supervises 650 employees serving in seven professional staff groups in Washington plus 22 regional counsel offices across the United States.

VA's Office of General Counsel provides legal services that include representation before administrative and judicial forums, formal and informal legal advice, ethics advice, the drafting of legislation and its advocacy, and other duties ranging from rulemaking to training.

Source: U.S. Department of State