The Simmons Hanly Conroy attorneys were recognized in the most recent VLSC Newsletter from the John Marshall Law School for their pro bono work with veterans. The newsletter highlights the work of Karoline Carstens and other attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy on the John Marshall veterans advocacy-training course, offered through the Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic.
Carstens and Amy Garrett, a shareholder at Simmons Hanly Conroy, arranged training in conjunction with the Madison County Bar Association as part of the advocacy-training at the VLSC. Nearly 40 attorneys participated in the course.
John Marshall is one of the nations first law schools to offer a clinic dedicated solely to the legal needs of veterans. Thousands of veterans have returned from war with serious injuries but are not receiving the benefits they need, and many more are unable to find competent legal aid to seek those benefits. The Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic hopes to further assist veterans by providing them with access to their statewide network of experienced pro bono attorneys.
Over 15 attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy are available to take cases from the VLSC on a pro bono basis. The Simmons Hanly Conroy has represented the rights of veterans in hundreds of legal cases and a number of Simmons Hanly Conroy staff is made up of ex-military personnel, making the rights of veterans an important value to uphold for the law firm. The firm was even recognized this year by the Illinois State Bar Association for their pro bono work with veterans when they received the John C. McAndrews Award for showing extraordinary commitment to providing free legal services for the poor.
Most of the firm’s pro bono work has been focused on providing help to local military veterans, but all of the firm’s lawyers are encouraged to participate in pro bono work. It is Simmons Hanly Conroy’s belief that pro bono work will make them better lawyers and keep them involved with law on a personal level.
Carstens and Garrett both dedicate themselves to representing patients and families affected by mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Learn more about the John Marshall Veterans Legal Support Center.
