Veterans Law Practicum

Catalog description

In the Veterans Law Practicum I, students will provide information, legal advice, and representation to veterans. The student work in this practicum will directly address the gaps in legal representation for veterans seeking access to various veteran-specific benefits programs. Obtaining and accessing benefits can impact the lives of veterans in many ways: by preventing homelessness, improving a veteran's economic security and wellbeing, and providing access to medical care. Students will work on cases to secure service-connected disability compensation, discharge upgrades, overpayment issues, and other related claims. The students will interview veterans and conduct substantive research into the applicable law, including Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, Uniform Code of Military Justice, and Federal Legislation. Students will draft legal memoranda and may prepare briefings for Veteran District Offices and/or the Board of Veterans Affairs. Students may have the opportunity to appear virtually at hearings. The students may also circulate veterans benefits information to the community in conjunction with the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services. Students will develop key lawyering skills (including interviewing, client counseling, fact investigation, drafting, and oral advocacy), gain substantive and procedural knowledge of veteran benefits laws and regulations, and engage with the ethical implications of creating an attorney-client relationship. Students are requested to submit a statement of interest.