Commentary and insight about the complex legal, medical and social issues surrounding mesothelioma, asbestos and more.

The Simmons Firm Pro-Bono Efforts Continue as Firm Gives Helping Hand to John Marshall VLSC

January 14, 2009

The Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (VLSC) at the John Marshall Law School was one of the first clinics established to specifically aid our nation’s veterans. Every year our veterans return home with life-changing injuries and, sadly, many of these veterans will not be able to afford or locate capable legal representation to help them sort out their affairs. This is something John Marshall Law School is attempting to change, and the Simmons firm is right on board. 

The Simmons firm recently worked with the Madison County Bar Association to provide advocacy training at the VLSC. The effort was spearheaded by the Simmons firm attorney Karoline Carstens and firm partner Amy Garrett, both focused on helping victims of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. The training program was attended by nearly 40 attorneys. Presently, over 15 attorneys at the firm are able to assist the VLSC with pro-bono cases.

Pro-bono work is, without a doubt, incredibly important to our attorneys. The Simmons firm has represented over 100 St.-Louis area veterans and was instrumental in getting $13 million in compensation for workers who had contracted cancer from exposure to thorium while making nuclear weapons in Madison, IL.

Last year the Illinois Bar Association recognized the Simmons firm with the John C. McAndrews Award. The award is given to members of the profession that show extraordinary commitment to providing free legal services to those who cannot otherwise afford it.

The VLSC is dedicated to serving the men and women who have served our nation, and the Simmons firm is proud to join the effort to provide our veterans with the experienced legal help they deserve.

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