Friday, November 6, 2009

Verizon Launches Free Legal Program for Veterans

This is something worth checking out!

It is early, as this program just started, but hopefully it will provide some real help for veterans.
Veterans -- America's returning veterans often have significant unmet legal
needs, particularly when they have suffered physical or mental injuries as a
result of their service. Verizon legal volunteers will be partnered with
veterans needing pro bono representation in disability evaluations, disability
benefits appeals, and involuntary separation proceedings
. The volunteers will
also provide legal advice and support to disabled veteran entrepreneurs who
need business-law assistance.
"

Full Article at: Verizon Legal Volunteers Launch New Program to Provide Free Legal Services

NEW YORK, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- "Verizon attorneys and legal staff have
started a program that will provide free legal services to needy individuals
and nonprofit organizations.

The program helps address a major issue: Nearly 1 million poor people will be
denied representation in courts across the country this year because of
insufficient resources, according to a recent study by Legal Services
Corporation.

Verizon attorneys, who specialize in a variety of legal fields, and legal
staff, will donate their time, talents and professional expertise, with an
emphasis on civil matters involving education, domestic violence, and
supporting veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"This program is a natural extension of Verizon's long-standing commitment to
the communities we serve," said Randal Milch, executive vice president and
general counsel for Verizon. "With attorneys and staffers in 20 states and the
District of Columbia, Verizon's pro bono program has the potential to have a
significant impact in many of these communities. I'm proud that my colleagues
will be answering the call and generously donating their talents and time."

Under the program, the more than 700 attorneys, paralegals and staffers in the
company's legal department will be encouraged to volunteer a minimum of 25
hours a year. The department has established a Pro Bono Committee to oversee
the program, approve pro bono projects and partners, assess the program's
effectiveness, and ensure that volunteers have access to proper training
resources.

The program will provide legal assistance in these key areas:

Education -- Verizon legal volunteers will meet with high school law classes
to teach a diverse group of students about civil law and careers in the legal
profession. Volunteers will also advise schools and education nonprofits on
corporate, tax and business law issues, and represent learning-disabled
students in proceedings aimed at securing appropriate special educational
services.

Domestic Violence -- Legal volunteers will provide assistance to victims of
domestic violence, a core commitment of the Verizon Foundation - the company's
philanthropic arm. Assistance will include: helping immigrants who are
victims of domestic violence file immigration papers; helping domestic
violence victims secure protective orders in court; and providing corporate
and business law advice to organizations, such as nonprofits and shelters.

Veterans -- America's returning veterans often have significant unmet legal
needs, particularly when they have suffered physical or mental injuries as a
result of their service. Verizon legal volunteers will be partnered with
veterans needing pro bono representation in disability evaluations, disability
benefits appeals, and involuntary separation proceedings. The volunteers will
also provide legal advice and support to disabled veteran entrepreneurs who
need business-law assistance.
"

Senator Coburn Identified as Senator Holding up Veterans Bill

Well,looks like the lone Senator holding up the much needed veterans bill has been identified.

Full Article at: Coburn named as senator holding up vets bill

By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 3, 2009 17:23:29 EST

"Thirteen major military and veterans groups have joined forces to try to force one senator — Republican Tom Coburn of Oklahoma — to release a hold that he has placed on a major veterans benefits bill.

Coburn has been identified by Senate aides as the lawmaker preventing consideration of S 1963, the Veterans’ Caregiver and Omnibus Health Benefits Act of 2009, by using an informal but legal practice of putting a hold on a bill."