Expanding Legal Access for Veterans: How Law School Clinics Can Help
- Kirk Carlson
- May 8
- 2 min read
Expanding Legal Access for Veterans: How Law School Clinics Can Help
By Kirk Carlson, Covenant of Courage
For service members, veterans, and their families, the transition from military to civilian life can bring significant legal challenges—from navigating VA benefits and discharge upgrades to resolving housing or family law issues. Yet, despite the critical nature of these needs, affordable legal support remains limited across much of the country.
As a federal contractor or advocate working in support of the military community, finding reliable, low-cost legal resources can feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, law school legal clinics offer a powerful, underutilized network of support.
Law School Legal Clinics: A National Resource
Across the United States, many law schools operate legal aid clinics that provide free or low-cost assistance to veterans. These clinics are often staffed by law students under the supervision of experienced attorneys and cover a range of legal services including:
VA disability claims and appeals
Discharge upgrades
Housing and landlord-tenant issues
Family law matters
Criminal record expungement
Because these services are embedded within academic institutions, they also offer a unique level of dedication, advocacy, and innovation.
Key Resources to Tap Into
National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium (NLSVCC):
This organization is a coalition of law school clinics nationwide that are committed to serving veterans. Their website, nlsvcc.org, provides a directory of participating clinics, making it easier to connect transitioning service members with qualified legal assistance no matter their location.
ABA Military and Veterans Legal Center:
Operated by the American Bar Association, this resource provides a wide-ranging directory of legal aid options—including many law school clinics—as well as other pro bono initiatives dedicated to serving military-connected individuals. Learn more at americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/milvets.
Individual Law Schools:
Even outside of national networks, many law schools maintain their own veterans law projects. Reaching out directly to law schools in your state or territory—particularly to their clinical education or public interest departments—can reveal additional resources for the military community.
Collaboration is Key
At Covenant of Courage, we believe in strengthening partnerships across the veteran services landscape. If your organization supports transitioning service members and would benefit from a customized legal aid directory or introductions to trusted clinic partners, we’d be happy to assist.
Our mission is to ensure no veteran is left behind—and that includes access to justice.
Contact:
Kirk Carlson
Covenant of Courage
Phone: 323-471-7279
Website: www.covenantofcourage.com
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