VOTE!
Thumbs up

Thumbs up

Serving Those Who Serve Our Country:  Chapman Law School Steps Up

By

Kyndra Rotunda

                Many military troops returning from deployment face a multitude of legal problems.  Because Military Regulations limit the type of cases that active duty military lawyers (JAGs) can accept, these troops are left out in the cold. 

                Federal Law exists to protect the troops when they’re deployed.  For instance, the Service Member Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows deploying troops to get out of house and car leases and the U.S. Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA) protects their civilian jobs.  But, all too often landlords and employers don’t understand – or simply refuse to follow these laws. 

                Private employers and landlords aren’t the only source of legal frustrations for the troops.   Combat wounded and disabled troops return from war only to fight another battle -- against the military --  for disability benefits they’re entitled to receive.  Disability proceedings are complicated and retracted, and all too often troops who qualify for benefits are denied. 

                Chapman University School of Law recently launched its Military Personnel Law Center & AMVETS Clinic, which provides legal representation to active duty families, and veterans, who need help.  Its premier partner is AMVETS, a leading national veteran’s organization.

                Chapman Law School, located in Orange California, is the only clinical program of its kind on the West Coast.  While a few law schools in the country have similar clinical programs, most focus exclusively on veterans. 

Although Chapman’s clinic just opened its doors, it is already inundated with cases – mostly combat wounded matters.    Anyone who would like to learn more about the clinic should contact the Director, Kyndra Rotunda at krotunda@chapman.edu. 

Link

Kyndra, THANK YOU for your service! Also thanks for the great work you're doing at Chapman, this program you direct is honorable and I hope this idea spreads since so many of us Active Duty, as well as Reservists, and full-time Guard members need such help in difficult times. God bless you, and again, thanks for your continued service!

>> Michael Brady

Monday, February 2, 2009, 8:46 am

Michael, Thanks for your note and for your 21 years of service to our country. Best luck on your run for Congress. We need more military vets in Washington.

>> Kyndra Rotunda

Monday, February 2, 2009, 2:24 pm