On February 26, LSC hosted the monthly meeting of the Executive Board of the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program, which provides free legal services to veterans with appeals pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The Consortium is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary of providing legal services to America's veterans.

LSC President Helaine M. Barnett delivered the opening remarks, applauding the consortium for mobilizing the private bar to deliver high-quality legal services to those veterans who would otherwise be unable to afford them. Since its establishment in 1992, the Consortium has trained and supported thousands of pro bono attorneys who have represented thousands of veterans before the court, prevailing in over 70 percent of their cases, ensuring that veterans and their families receive 100 percent of the benefits they are eligible for.

LSC played an integral role in the establishment of the Consortium. When the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals was established in 1988, it quickly realized that the vast majority of veterans coming before the court had no legal representation. The Court provided a portion of its annual Congressional appropriation to LSC to seek proposals to create a pro bono program. Four organizations-the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Veterans Legal Services Program, and Paralyzed Veterans of America-joined together and submitted the winning proposal. The Consortium has operated the pro bono program since 1992.

LSC continues to provide guidance and oversight to the Consortium through participation in Board meetings, informal consultations, and periodic site visits.

Click here for more information on the Veterans Consortium. Pro Bono Program.