NEW YORK CITY BAR AND NEW YORK LAW FIRMS LAUNCH FREE VETERANS' LAW CLINIC

New York, NY — Aiming to provide legal services to veterans seeking disability benefits and assistance from the Veterans Administration (VA), many of the largest and most prominent New York City law firms have announced a monthly clinic offering free legal advice to servicemen and women regarding disability benefits filed with the VA.

The clinic was initiated jointly by several firms and will operate in conjunction with the City Bar Justice Center, the pro bono sister organization of the New York City Bar Association. Attorneys from various law firms throughout the city will be trained to handle the types of disability claims most frequently presented to the VA.

"We observed that a misstep by a veteran in filing claims could lead to a daunting process of appeal and correction and delay receipt of treatment, benefits and payments," said William Bagliebter, of Reed Smith LLP and Pro Bono Coordinator for the firm's New York office. "We believe that we can help get these claims filed properly and thus ensure that our soldiers do not experience unnecessary delay in the claims process," he added.

In addition to Reed Smith LLP, law firms participating in the planning of the clinic are: Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP; Covington & Burling LLP; Howrey LLP; Mayer Brown LLP; McCarter & English LLP; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Shearman & Sterling LLP; and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

"We're pleased to be collaborating with so many large firms dedicated to pro bono work," said Barry Kamins, President of the New York City Bar Association. "Through our clinic, we will assist veterans with the complicated process of filing disability claims and documenting their need for benefits," Kamins said. A three–hour training session for attorneys will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at the City Bar Building, 42 West 44th Street in Manhattan. The initial Veterans Law Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2007, also at the City Bar Building. Any veteran seeking free legal assistance, in matters relating to the Veterans Administration, should call 1–877–564–3383 to schedule an appointment.

About the Association
The New York City Bar Association (www.nycbar.org) was founded in 1870, and since then has been dedicated to maintaining the high ethical standards of the profession, promoting reform of the law, and providing service to the profession and the public. The Association continues to work for political, legal and social reform, while implementing innovative means to help the disadvantaged. Protecting the public’s welfare remains one of the Association’s highest priorities.