Law College's Veterans Legal Clinic Secures Justice for Heroes Funding Grant
The Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC) at Syracuse University's College of Law has been awarded a significant grant, the Justice for Heroes, by the New York State Department of Veterans' Services. This grant, totalling $150,000, is a testament to the clinic's importance in supporting veterans and will bolster its capacity to deliver high-demand legal services in Central New York.
Grant Details
The primary goal of the grant is to enhance the VLC's ability to assist veterans in navigating U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health and disability benefits claims. Improper or incomplete claim submissions often lead to delays or denials, affecting veterans' access to essential benefits. The grant will also aid in providing services in critical areas such as military discharge upgrades, which can significantly impact veterans' future employment and educational opportunities.
Expansions and Initiatives
A new program under the grant will specifically cater to military-connected students, faculty, and staff at Syracuse University, addressing their unique legal needs within the academic setting. This is the first-of-its-kind effort in higher education for the VLC.
Funding Source
The grant is awarded by the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, highlighting state-level recognition of the clinic's importance in supporting veterans.
Impact
This grant reflects a commitment to addressing the complex legal challenges faced by veterans, reinforcing the ongoing efforts by Syracuse University to provide comprehensive support through various initiatives. The VLC provides hands-on experience for student attorneys, navigating federal agencies and honing their legal skills, while learning the value of pro bono service and engaging directly with military culture.
Beth Kubala, the executive director of the Office of Clinical Legal Education, director of the VLC, teaching professor in the College of Law, and a U.S. Army veteran, stated that the grant will enable the VLC to build upon its 10-year track record of delivering exceptional level services and representation to the veteran community and their families.
Raul Rosique, a student attorney and U.S. Navy veteran, finds working in the VLC a meaningful experience. Terence J. Lau, dean of the College of Law, emphasizes the VLC's commitment to experiential learning, community service, and public interest law.
The VLC, located within the College of Law, will expand its legal support for local veterans, ensuring more veterans get the legal support they deserve. The Justice for Heroes grant program demonstrates New York state's dedication to improving the lives of veterans and their ongoing support of law school outreach programs.
- The grant, named Justice for Heroes, awarded by the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, will boost the capacity of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC) at Syracuse University's College of Law.
- The primary aim of the grant is to improve the VLC's assistance to veterans in handling U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health and disability benefits claims, addressing issues leading to delays or denials.
- A new program initiated under the grant will cater to the unique legal needs of military-connected students, faculty, and staff at Syracuse University, marking the VLC's first-ever such endeavor in higher education.
- The VLC, located within the College of Law, will broaden its legal support to local veterans as a result of the Justice for Heroes grant, ensuring better access to essential legal services.
- The grant reflects a broader commitment from Syracuse University to support veterans facing complex legal challenges, as part of its ongoing comprehensive support through various initiatives.
- The grant program signifies New York state's dedication to boosting the lives of veterans by offering financial support and resources for law school outreach programs.
