“These clinics already put veterinarians first,” Caruso said. “Plus, anything we can`t cover, we form a volunteer network of community advocates to help.” Initially, the clinic will be supported by a $250,000 state grant, $50,000 from Onondaga County and several six-figure donations from private sources, including the John Romano family of Utica and Michael David Wohl of Miami, a 1975 graduate of SU Law School, Keefe said. The veterans` legal clinic will work with the other eight legal clinics already in SU, Caruso said. These include insolvency, criminal law, tax issues, elder rights, disability rights and family law. Both began their legal clinic initiatives three years ago as first-year law students when they launched Valor Day at SU, an event where Central New York veterans and their families receive a range of free professional services. But the demand exceeded what a day`s service could offer. So Caruso and Keefe looked for ways to build a full-time legal clinic for veterans. SU Law School will continue to host Valour Day each fall, provide services and promote the clinic, Caruso said. SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Downtown New York veterans have access to free legal aid thanks to a new year-round legal clinic at Syracuse University School of Law. The Betty and Michael D.
Arguably, the Veterans Legal Clinic represents veterans and their families who want to receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enhance military liberation by the various military branches. U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Lamendola, who served in the U.S. Air National Guard`s 174th Fighter Wing, will serve as the clinic`s director of external relations. Lamendola is a former judge lawyer who runs a private law firm in Syracuse. Yelena Duterte will serve as clinical director. Duterte is the former deputy director of the Veterans Legal Support Center and Clinic at John Marshal Law Schools. “Along with Fort Drum, Hancock Air Force Base and VA Hospital, Syracuse is already a center for veterans,” Caruso said. “We hope to fill this gap in legal advice to veterans. The new legal clinic will be part of SU Chancellor Kent Syveruds` initiative to make SU the best university in the country for veterans, both education veterans and veterans serving in the community, Keefe said. In addition to advocating on behalf of clients, the clinic engages in public relations through its annual Day of Valour event during the CNY Veterans Parade and Exhibition.
In partnership with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the clinic also proudly supports the SyracuseServes coordinated care network as a legal service provider. Veterans Affairs: If you are interested in VLC legal assistance, please read our admission guide and contact details. Tom Caruso and Josh Keefe, both graduates of SU Law School and SU`s Maxwell School this year, helped found the clinic. Everyone returns to active duty as a judge advocate – Caruso for the U.S. Navy, Keefe for the Marine Corps. “Studies have shown that compensation for VA claims has increased by 144 percent and veterans can make a VA decision in just a few weeks (with the help of a lawyer),” Caruso said. Josh Keefe and Tom Caruso, both 2014 graduates of Syracuse University School of Law, are the founders of Syracuse University`s Veterans Law Clinic. The Veterans Legal Clinic opens today in SU`s Dineen Hall.
He will specialize in work involving the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as appeals against adverse decisions of veterans and attempts to reclassify military releases. To contact the Veterans Legal Clinic, call 315-443-4582. Managing Directors, Betty and Michael D. Arguably, the Veterans Legal Clinic and Teaching Professor 315.443.4582 [email protected] The Veterans Legal Clinic also plans to open a satellite office in Utica, Caruso said. While representing real clients, students gain an understanding of military culture, interact with government agencies, develop case management skills, enhance their advocacy skills, and convey the value of pro bono service. Students will engage in factual inquiry, write persuasive letters and briefs to various government agencies, and may have the opportunity to advocate orally on behalf of clients.
