By Paulette Brown
America's lawyers join with the rest of the nation on Veteran's Day in honoring those who have served their country. We celebrate veterans' patriotism, sacrifice and contributions to upholding the rule of law in the United States and around the world.
As we hail the bravery and dedication of these men and women, let us remember that we have a commitment to them as well. The American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel works with the Department of Defense, the military services, and other bar associations to enhance the availability of free or affordable legal services to veterans.
The ABA has developed programs for veterans and active-duty personnel to address growing legal needs in areas of consumer law, family law, landlord/tenant, employment law, and others areas. The Military Pro Bono Project (www.militaryprobono.org) has connected more than 1,200 service members and veterans with lawyers who provide free representation for civil legal issues. A related initiative, Operation Stand-By, enables military lawyers to seek case advice from volunteer civilian lawyers.
The ABA also has worked to establish more than 200 veterans' courts to give former service members with drug or mental health issues a path toward recovery without having to navigate the penal system.
Through ABA Home Front (www.abahomefront.org), veterans can access free publications and easy-to-understand information on a variety of legal topics as well as a directory of legal services that help military families. Lawyers seeking pro bono opportunities can sign up on the website as well.
As we honor these men and women who have given so much for us, let us remember that we need to give back. It is our duty to ensure that our veterans are cared for and respected.
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Paulette Brown, partner and co-chair of the firmwide Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Locke Lord LLP, is president of the American Bar Association.
Published: Wed, Nov 11, 2015
