ATTORNEY TRAINING INFORMATION

HOW THE VETERANS CONSORTIUM PRO BONO PROGRAM WORKS

The cornerstone of the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program is screening of cases for merit coupled with attorney training. The program’s staff of experienced veterans law specialists screen the appeal of every individual who seeks pro bono representation from the program. Appeals with meritorious issues and whose appellants meet income eligibility guidelines are referred to volunteer attorneys.

Before accepting an appeal, all attorneys will have the opportunity to attend a training program conducted by experts in the field. Each participating attorney will also receive a free copy of the latest version of the Veterans Benefit Manual (in both a bound version as well as CD-ROM with on-line research capability), a comprehensive guide to litigating veterans benefits claims. Upon accepting a referral, each attorney will receive a memorandum discussing the facts and legal issues in the appeal, and the name and telephone number of an assigned mentor who specializes in this area of the law from one of the sponsoring organizations. Mentors will be available to discuss litigation strategy, provide sample briefs, review draft pleadings, and conduct a moot court if oral argument is granted.

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