Experts Discuss How Civil Legal Aid Providers Help Veterans at Congressional Briefing

WASHINGTON – A panel of experts on veterans’ issues will discuss how legal aid programs help former members of the military and their families on Tuesday, May 12, at a congressional briefing co-sponsored by Rep. David Jolly (R-FL) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA).

The briefing, “Serving Those Who Have Served Our Country: How Legal Aid Helps Veterans,” will showcase the importance of local legal aid programs to veterans in need of civil legal assistance. Panelists include:

Patrick J. Murphy, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 for the 8th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and Iraq war veteran;
Will A. Gunn, former General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and retired Air Force colonel;
Nan Heald, Executive Director for Pine Tree Legal Assistance Portland, Maine; and
Brian Noyes, Iraq war veteran and former client of Pine Tree Legal Services.

Hosted by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the briefing will also highlight the many legal problems veterans confront after serving in combat, such as foreclosure, eviction, consumer fraud, child custody, and wrongful denial of benefits. LSC-funded legal aid programs across the country partner with veterans’ associations, advocates, and other service providers to do outreach and expand legal services to veterans. An estimated 1.8 million veterans are eligible for LSC-funded services.

The May 12 congressional briefing will be held in Room B-339 of the Rayburn House Office Building from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.  