Veterans Legal Clinic II

Catalog description

Veterans Legal Clinic II is an advanced clinical course for students who have successfully completed Veterans Legal Clinic I (Law 926) and who receive approval from the Clinic Director for continued enrollment. In this course, student attorneys deepen their practical experience by continuing to represent veteran clients in complex disability compensation cases before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and related administrative bodies. Building on foundational skills developed in the first clinic semester, students in Veterans Legal Clinic II are entrusted with greater responsibility and autonomy in their casework. They may engage in advanced legal strategy, develop expert medical and lay evidence, draft appellate briefs, and handle appeals at the Board of Veterans¿ Appeals or prepare matters for referral to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Students are expected to demonstrate increased proficiency in client communication, legal writing, and case management. There are no formal classroom sessions in this course. However, students are required to participate in regular weekly case meetings with the Clinic Director and are expected to contribute actively to the collaborative learning environment of the Veterans Legal Clinic. This course offers a meaningful opportunity for students to strengthen their lawyering skills while continuing to serve the legal needs of veterans in the Central New York community.