NVLSP LEGAL PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

VETERANS NEED YOUR HELP:
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS NEEDED

Since 1933, veterans of the United States Armed Forces have been frustrated by laws that prohibited judicial review of denials of their claims for federal veterans benefits. But since 1988, with the landmark Veterans’ Judicial Review Act, veterans who are denied benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The Court has sparked an enormous demand by veterans seeking judicial review. More than 36,000 veterans or their survivors have filed appeals in the Court. Most cases involve claims for VA disability or death benefits.

Unfortunately, for many veterans the promise of effective judicial review has proved elusive. More than 70% of those who appeal to the Court do not have a representative at the time they file their appeal. This is in large part because they are unable to afford an attorney. Unrepresented veterans are obviously at a significant disadvantage in litigating against the VA General Counsel’s Office, which represents the VA in all Court proceedings. Mentally and physically disabled veterans may be especially
disadvantaged.

What Is the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program

In 1991, the then U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals responded to the problem of its large pro se caseload by asking Congress to reallocate part of the Court’s own budget into efforts to secure representation for needy
claimants. As a result, a consortium of four organizations received a grant to operate a pro bono program. The program recruits attorneys willing to volunteer to represent needy individuals before the Court. The program
screens appeals so that pro bono representation is provided in the most meritorious cases, and offers comprehensive training and support to
participating lawyers. The organizations comprising the consortium are The American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the National Veterans Legal Services Program, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

How You Can Help

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program is seeking attorneys to represent one appellant before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Private attorneys with no veterans law experience have demonstrated their ability to capably represent appellants in the Court. Most cases can be completed in 50 hours. To date, almost 1,350 attorneys have accepted almost 3,000 cases under the program.

How the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program Works

The cornerstones of the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program are screening of cases for merit and providing attorneys with training. The program’s staff of experienced veterans’ law specialists will screen the appeal of every individual who seeks pro bono representation from the
program. Only those cases that appear meritorious and meet income eligibility guidelines are referred to volunteer attorneys.

Before accepting an appeal, all attorneys must attend a training program conducted by experts in the field. In a very few cases, distance training via DVD is available for those unable to attend in person. Each participant, upon accepting a referral, will receive:

Mentors are available to discuss litigation strategy, provide sample briefs, review draft pleadings, and conduct a moot court if oral argument is granted.

Why Do Your Pro Bono Work Through the Veterans Consortium
Pro Bono Program?

There are many ways an attorney can do pro bono work. But participating in the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program offers several advantages: