VetLaw 2014: A Forum for Law Students & Lawyers Serving Veterans

Presented by Major General Butch Tate, US Army (Retired)

Senior Fellow for Veteran Legal AffairsJustice for Vets

“A Resolution To Not Just Say

Something…But To Do Something”

"Maybe the thanks of a grateful nation can and ought to be more tangible. Maybe the warm feelings we experience when we shake a Soldier's hand and offer best wishes ought to be accompanied by resolve. A resolution to not just SAY something, but, to do something.”

Ken FisherChairman and CEOFisher House

Deployments (Context)

• More than 2.6 Million have deployed since 9/11

• 1 Million are eligible for VA services

• Approx. 142,000 are single parents of minor children

• 44% of OIF/OEF Servicemembers have served multiple deployments in 9/11

• In 2010, an estimated 300,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or major depression.

The largest sustained deployment of military service men and women in the history of the all-volunteer force

Challenges (Define the Problem)

• 22 suicides per day• Drug and Alcohol Abuse• Sexual Assault and Trauma• Unemployment• Over Prescription• PTSD• TBI• Divorce• Spousal and Child Abuse• Behavioral Health Problems• Unmet Needs; 3/10 are Legal

Challenges (Define the Problem)

• Different Era/Different Context/Same Real Challenges

• Some Veterans turn to drugs/alcohol as result of their service.

• Traditional community treatment does not meet the unique needs of Veterans.

• Some Veterans are ending up in the criminal justice system as a result of their service.

• Instead of Incarceration - Accountability, Treatment, Rehabilitation.

Building Community Capacity to Meet the Need (The Solution)

• Law School Legal Clinics• Veterans Treatment Courts; Justice for

Vets• Legal Aid Programs and Clinics• Web-based support• StandDowns• Legal Clinics in VA Facilities• ABA Programs

• Operation Home Front

• Homeless Standdown

• Pro Bono Project

• VJOs• State and Local Bar Association

Programs

Continuing Educationhttp://aoslegal.cequick.com

Family Law and Military (1 hour)

Serving Those Who Have Served (35 minute video)

Military Cultural Competence (1.25 hours)

The Way Ahead: Sustainability• Impact of withdrawal from Afghanistan• What are the long term consequences of over a decade of war?• Can we sustain the “sea of goodwill?• Will public opinion change?• Who will lead the efforts for sustainability?• Who will fund?• Policies will need to change.

Criminal

Administrative CivilVA Benefits

Discharge Upgrades

Correction of Military Records (awards, credit for prior enlistments,

as examples)

Security Clearance Revocations

Adverse Military Administrative Actions

Federal, State, Local Prosecutions Expungement of Criminal Records

Bond Hearing Revocations

Probation and/or Suspended Sentence Revocations

Driver’s License Revocations

Mental Health Involuntary

Commitment and/or Treatment

Outstanding Fines and Warrants

Name Change

Immigration

Income Tax

Family Law—divorce, custody, child and spousal support, guardianships

Wills and Powers of Attorney

Landlord/Tenant

Consumer Protection

Employment (USERRA)

Assistance for pro se actions by the client

Moving to Alignment and Leverage

A National Exchange could:• Assure better data about needs• Build a more reliable pipeline to available services• Improve coordination among and between legal system players• Identify gaps in services

Army OneSource

State Bar Associations and Military Law Committees

National legal associations, including the ABA and its many related efforts including ABA Pro Bono Project, Operation Home Front and Operation Stand By

The local Bar Associations

Veterans Treatment Courts

Community Partners in Housing, Transportation, Employment, Behavioral Health

Prosecutors

Public Defenders

Veterans Affairs (VJOs and VSOs)

Military Legal Assistance offices

The National Resource Directory

Veterans Legal Aid Clinics

Equal Justice Works

Legal Aid Organizations