News

carter templeton

June 21, 2024

Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic Attorney Carter Brooks Templeton Elected to NLSVCC Board of Directors

The National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium (NLSVCC) has announced the election of Carter Brooks Templeton to its Board of Directors. Templeton brings a wealth of experience and passion to the board, reinforcing the organization’s mission to address the unique legal needs of veterans across the country. The NLSVCC, a collaborative effort led by the nation’s law school legal clinics, works with various stakeholders—including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Congress, state and local veterans service organizations, court systems, and educators—to advance common interests for the benefit of veterans. The Consortium’s goal is to support and advocate for…

katie becker

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…

a classroom with brent filbert presenting

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…

Veterans Affairs seal

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.

us court of appeals judge bench

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…

us supreme court building

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…

chris dunn

Nov. 8, 2023

Bombs, Bravery, and Beyond: Chris Dunn’s Story

War is a world where valor meets volatility and courage confronts chaos. In this world, our veterans emerge as the epitome of resilience and unwavering dedication. Sergeant Chris Dunn is one of those veterans.  Chris is a Gulf War Army veteran and Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic alum. He joined the Army in 1986 and volunteered to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist. He deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia with the 47th EOD Detachment during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Being an EOD Specialist is nothing like what is shown in movies or on television. There are rarely any…

mizzou columns with american flags hanging

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…

a veterans clinic student and staff member talking

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…

brent filbert

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…