Veterans' Benefits Pro Bono Project

LakinChapman is supporting the pro bono work of attorneys in the firm who are volunteering to assist veterans in the State of Illinois in filing claims for benefits with the United States Government. The attorneys will represent veterans, whose claims have been denied on both the administrative process and the judicial system. There will be no attorneys' fees charged to the veteran. There are multiple levels of appeal, which primarily involve collection and submission of records and statements of the veteran and any other relevant witnesses. In some cases an administrative hearing is held at which the veteran presents witnesses live and by written testimony. The process also can involve research and presentation of written briefs and oral arguments before administrative law judges and ultimately United States courts. The attorneys who are participating will receive training prior to this project is being coordinated by the John Marshall Law School, located in Chicago, Illinois.