Firm partners with client Citigroup in new pro bono initiative to assist veterans

BCLP’s St. Louis office has a rich history of collaborating with the legal team from longtime client Citigroup (Citi) on pro bono projects aimed at helping underserved populations in the region. BCLP recently joined with Citi again for an important new pro bono opportunity provided by the Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic that aims to assist veterans.

The clinic’s ongoing mission is to educate lawyers, paralegals and the Missouri community about vital veterans’ issues, including discharge upgrades and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation claims.

Many veterans face significant challenges after their service, including difficulties with employment, substance abuse, mental health and housing. Their military discharges can greatly impact their employment prospects and access to benefits. Many need legal assistance to research regulations and submit claims. The Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic is one of the strongest advocates and best resources for veterans in Missouri. Since its inception in 2014, the clinic has secured more than $16 million in federal disability compensation for its clients and has helped with numerous successful discharge upgrades.

Earlier this summer, representatives from the clinic visited to meet and train volunteers from Citi and BCLP at Citi’s offices in O’Fallon, Missouri. Seventeen lawyers – including Ketrina Bakewell, Lindsay Cohen Schneider, Laura Hoffstetter, Ed Tjaden, Claire Mispagel Trottier, Dan Hawn, Mary McMath and David Chambers from BCLP’s St. Louis office – attended the training. The clinic plans to organize additional training as needed in the future.

“This is an excellent opportunity to impact the lives of many veterans in our state,” noted Associate David Chambers, the main BCLP organizer. “We are proud to offer our assistance to veterans and pleased to partner with Citi again on another important pro bono initiative. Like us, they believe in giving back to the place we all call home.”