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On Monday, April 14, the Law Student Veterans Organization, in conjunction with the Fayette Circuit Court and the Fayette Veterans Treatment Court, hosted a kick-off reception for students and lawyers interested in participating in the Veterans Treatment Court Pro Bono Program – a new program that places law students with attorney-mentors to provide civil legal services to combat veterans being treated by the Fayette County Veterans Treatment Court.

The reception began with a meet and greet social hour, followed by speaker Judge John Schrader giving an overview of the Fayette County Veterans Treatment Court. Then, Sean O’Donnell, President of the Law Student Veterans Organization, spoke about student involvement within the program.

The program provides students the ability to gain practical legal experience while serving those who have sacrificed the most for our freedoms and the United States. Attorneys in the community would provide pro bono assistance to the veterans and supervise the law students. Potential legal matters for the veterans include bankruptcy, debtor-creditor issues, family law matters, landlord-tenant issues, and any other civil matters that may be burdening the veterans. The program is consistent with the College of Law’s efforts to provide more pro bono opportunities for students.

“Many people acknowledge the sacrifices made by our combat veterans but few take affirmative action to ensure that those who return home receive the assistance they require,” says O’Donnell. “This program strives to do just that. We want to show veterans in the local area that if they need someone to ‘cover them’ in the legal arena, we’ve got their backs.”

The Fayette County Veterans Treatment Court, headed by Judge Schrader, is a criminal diversion program designed for honorably discharged veterans with substance abuse problems.