Released on: October 16, 2007, 12:22 pm

Press Release Author: Press Office, New York City Bar Association

Industry: Law

Press Release Summary: On Thursday, October 25th, the NYC Bar Association will host
its first clinic to assist war veterans seeking disability benefits from the
Veterans Administration.

Press Release Body: New York, NY - Aiming to provide legal services to veterans
seeking disability benefits and assistance from the Veterans Administration (VA),
many of the largest and most prominent New York City law firms have announced a
monthly clinic offering free legal advice to servicemen and women regarding
disability benefits filed with the VA.

The clinic was initiated jointly by several firms and will operate in conjunction
with the City Bar Justice Center, the pro bono sister organization of the New York
City Bar Association. Attorneys from various law firms throughout the city will be
trained to handle the types of disability claims most frequently presented to the
VA.

"We observed that a misstep by a veteran in filing claims could lead to a daunting
process of appeal and correction and delay receipt of treatment, benefits and
payments," said William Bagliebter, of Reed Smith LLP and Pro Bono Coordinator for
the firm's New York office. "We believe that we can help get these claims filed
properly and thus ensure that our soldiers do not experience unnecessary delay in
the claims process," he added.

In addition to Reed Smith LLP, law firms participating in the planning of the clinic
are: Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP; Covington & Burling LLP; Howrey LLP;
Mayer Brown LLP; McCarter & English LLP; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Paul,
Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Shearman & Sterling LLP; and Weil, Gotshal &
Manges LLP.

"We're pleased to be collaborating with so many large firms dedicated to pro bono
work," said Barry Kamins, President of the New York City Bar Association. "Through
our clinic, we will assist veterans with the complicated process of filing
disability claims and documenting their need for benefits," Kamins said.

A three-hour training session for attorneys will be held on Wednesday, October 24,
2007 at the City Bar Building, 42 West 44th Street in Manhattan. The initial
Veterans Law Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2007, also at the City Bar
Building. Any veteran seeking free legal assistance, in matters relating to the
Veterans Administration, should call 1-877-564-3383 to schedule an appointment.


ABOUT THE CITY BAR JUSTICE CENTER
The City Bar Justice Center, the pro bono affiliate of the New York City Bar,
increases access to justice by leveraging the resources of the New York City legal
community. Justice Center projects are focused in three areas: immigrant justice,
economic justice and family justice. The Justice Center also operates the city's
busiest legal hotline and special projects. The Justice Center annually provides
direct legal representation, information and advocacy to over 25,000 poor and
vulnerable New Yorkers.



Web Site: http://www.nycbar.org

Contact Details: Oroma Mpi, J.D.
Press Officer
42 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
T: 212.382.6713
F: 212.768.8630
ompi@nycbar.org