On Thursday, May 26, advocates gathered to launch Neighborhood Legal Services Program’s Veterans Legal Assistance Project. This new initiative will feature monthly drop-in legal clinics for DC veterans; the clinics will be staffed by attorneys and paralegals from DC law firms, supported by experienced NLSP attorneys.

The group of advocates learned a great deal about DC veterans from Tammi Lambert, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs. Lambert noted that the District of Columbia has approximately 29,000 veterans but that few of them receive benefits. To make things worse, nearly 80 percent of DC veterans have incomes below the poverty level, and all DC veterans’ housing is located in Ward 8.

The breakfast was hosted by Duane Morris, whose lawyers represent veterans in the District and around the country, and which is partnering with NLSP to staff the drop-in clinics. But the clinic needs even more help! If you’re interested in learning more about serving DC veterans, please contact NLSP Pro Bono Counsel Heather Hodges at (202) 269-5115.