There are nearly two million veterans and over 180,000 active military service members in California. Many of these members and their families need pro bono legal assistance to receive military and other benefits they have earned, yet are not aware of the legal resources available to veterans and service members. Below are some ways State Bar licensees can volunteer to provide pro bono legal help to veterans and service members.
Veterans and service members need assistance in all areas of law, but most frequently with the following:
Free trainings are available to pro bono attorneys in many of these areas. You can learn about important laws and changes in law that may affect veterans and service members benefits.
The Practising Law Institute (PLI) offers free training (with fee waiver application) to pro bono attorneys to help them represent veterans and their families:
The Pro Bono Training Institute (PBTI) offers free training to pro bono attorneys in veterans benefits and discharge upgrades.
If you are interested in doing pro bono work on behalf of veterans and service members, contact the State Bar at helpvets@calbar.ca.gov, or contact one of the organizations listed below.