June 14, 2024

Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic Welcomes New Staff Attorney Katie Becker

Columbia, MO — The Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic is pleased to announce that Katie M. Becker has joined the Clinic as its newest staff attorney. In this role, Becker will supervise students and manage an active caseload assisting veterans and their dependents in securing the benefits they earned from their service to our country. Her work will involve the representation of veterans and their dependents before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,the Department of Defense, and several federal courts.  Becker brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to veterans’ advocacy to the Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic. She previously…

June 7, 2024

Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic Expands Reach, Educating Future Leaders in Military and Veterans Law

The Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic is proud to announce its expansion in course offerings, signaling a new era in preparing law students for the fields of military law and veterans law. These courses are available now, providing students with comprehensive training and practical experience in these specialized areas of law, furthering our commitment to serving those who have served our country.   Our flagship course, the Veterans Clinic, stands a cornerstone of our program, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with real veteran clients and gain hands-on experience in managing client files, communicating effectively with clients and navigating the complexities…

June 1, 2024

Housing Heroes: Show Me Home Program Expansion  

The MU Veterans Clinic received a $300,000 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to build upon their Show Me Home Program, an initiative crafted to empower and aid veterans in their journey out of homelessness. This grant doubles the VA’s initial 2023 backing of $150,000, showcasing their support and trust for the program. The increased funding empowers the Clinic to extend its assistance to veterans, making an even greater impact.  To learn more about the Show Me Home Program and the first grant, please click here.

March 1, 2024

Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic Involved in High-Profile Veteran’s Law Case

The Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic was involved in a high-profile veteran’s law case at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Led by the Clinic’s founder, Angela Drake, and supported by then-students turned graduates, Joel Smith ’22 and Emily Bergmann ’22, the Clinic assisted in drafting and submitting an amicus brief in the case of Taylor v. McDonough which provided a favorable decision for the veteran appellant. This landmark case centered on Bruce R. Taylor, a veteran who faced numerous obstacles in claiming disability compensation for injuries sustained during his service. Taylor, a veteran who participated in a…

Feb. 1, 2024

Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic Files Amicus Brief with United States Supreme Court

Attorneys in the Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic have filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in a crucial case awaiting consideration involving veterans seeking certiorari to challenge a decision made by the Federal Circuit.   The veterans in the case argue that the Federal Circuit erred in its judgment, contending that the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) must consult the complete agency record in every case to determine the proper application of the benefit-of-the-doubt rule. This rule, rooted in a longstanding history and codified by Congress, is a vital safeguard for veterans seeking benefits. At the…

Sep. 12, 2023

TransLand Donates to Veterans Clinic to Support Missouri Veterans

August 28, 2023 Missouri-based trucking company TransLand has donated more than $4,000 to the MU Veterans Clinic to support Missouri veterans. Last year, TransLand introduced its innovative camouflage fleet. While this fleet of camo semis provided aesthetic appeal and efficient delivery services, it also held a greater and profound purpose — making a meaningful contribution to veterans throughout the state. TransLand initiated a unique and unconventional campaign — they would donate 5 cents for every mile driven by Transland driver and Army veteran Patrick Flores to a local veterans organization. Recognizing the impactful work of the Mizzou Law Veterans…

Aug. 23, 2023

Housing heroes: New program to support veterans experiencing homelessness

A $150,000 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs will fund the Homeless Veterans Outreach Program, a new initiative from the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic. Contact: Courtney Perrett, 573-882-6217, cperrett@missouri.edu Since 2009, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness across the United States has shrunk by more than 50%, according to a 2022 Department of Housing report. With the support of a $150,000 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic is aiming to continue this trend here at home with a new program designed to…

June 5, 2023

Brent Filbert Named NIMJ Fellow

University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic Director Brent Filbert has been named a fellow at the National Institute of Military Justice (NIMJ). Professor Filbert was selected as a fellow of the institute based on his abilities and expertise in the fields of military law and veterans law. He will serve a two-year term as fellow, from 2023-2025. “To become a fellow in the National Institute of Military Justice is an amazing honor,” Filbert said. “The NIMJ is made up of our nation’s most accomplished military justice attorneys and scholars and is widely recognized as the leading authority on…

May 25, 2023

Staff Spotlight — Meet Anita Cowan

Anita Cowan is the new executive assistant at the Clinic. Anita Cowan is one of the Clinic’s newest staff faces. Beginning work for the Clinic in April, Anita serves as Clinic’s executive assistant. She has worked in several areas at the University of Missouri for more than 20 years, including the office of the vice chancellor for student affairs, as well as the dean of the Graduate School. One of her dreams in life has been to work closely with veterans, as her husband Todd is an Army veteran; therefore, she has a very personal relationship to the…

May 25, 2023

A Successful Symposium

More than 200 attorneys and veterans advocates attended the 2023 Veterans Clinic Symposium in-person and virtually. The Veterans Clinic held its annual symposium this April to examine and discuss how future veterans law advocates can handle instances of discrimination in the military. Interim Dean Paul Litton kicked off the symposium with opening remarks. The rest of the event consisted of various lectures and presentations from law professors, military personnel and practicing attorneys. More than 200 attorneys and advocates joined in person and virtually to learn more about topics including the Vanessa Guillen case and other instances of sexual…