Student Veteran Helps Other GIs at The John Marshall Law School’s Veterans Legal Support Center in Chicago
(PRWEB) September 16, 2013 -- The John Marshall Law School’s Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (VLSC) is helping veterans with their legal issues but it’s also giving law students an opportunity to hone their skills under the supervision of practicing attorneys.
The Clinic is one of many arenas in which John Marshall students take advantage of the school’s culture of hands-on learning designed to make them practice ready. And it’s one that attracted Marine veteran Joseph Wagner, who didn’t consider any other schools once he heard about the Clinic.
Wagner started working at the VLSC during his second semester of law school and now, as he’s finishing up his law degree, Wagner considers himself lucky to be doing the work that he does.
“Working in the VLSC is very important to me because of what our nation’s veterans have done for our country. I’m someone who has worked the system from both sides—as a vet applying for benefits and now helping veterans as a legal professional. I want to help veterans understand the issues and the possible solutions to those issues, in order to get them the benefits they deserve,” Wagner said.
Wagner, who will graduate in May 2014, spent five years in the United States Marine Corps working as an aviation support equipment mechanic in California and Japan. After his tour of duty, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, and then enrolled at John Marshall.
Wagner said his work at the clinic has helped him develop client interviewing skills, learn how to gather facts and research issues related to cases, and then write his findings in a concise legal memorandum.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the VLSC will host elected officials and other invited guests at a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of its new 5,300-square-foot facility at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Plymouth Court.
For additional information VLSC and its services visit http://www.jmls.edu/veterans/
Marilyn Thomas, The John Marshall Law School, +1 (312) 427-2737 661, [email protected]
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