Muskogee County Bar Hosts Free Legal Clinic for Veterans
The Muskogee County Bar Association held the first legal advice clinic for area military service members and veterans on Aug. 13. The clinic was staffed by volunteer attorneys from the county bar, including OBA President Deborah Reheard, District 7 Gov. Lou Ann Moudy and OBA Executive Director John Morris Williams.
As part of the Oklahoma Lawyers for America’s Heroes program, similar free legal clinics will take place across the state on Nov. 11, 2011.
Legal advice and a listening ear
Through the course of the clinic, members assisted some 30 veterans with legal questions covering estate planning, veteran’s benefits, contracts and real estate. Any veteran with a question warranting further action was either referred to the Oklahoma Lawyers for America’s Heroes volunteer attorney bank or was self-referred to the volunteer attorney at intake.
The number of “thank-yous” received was incredible and was, as described by one volunteer, humbling to have the opportunity to give back to these men and women who have served our country admirably in the wars and conflicts of history.
More than one veteran broke down in tears at simply having the opportunity to have someone listen to his legal issue and advise him of his options. One 83-year-old veteran admitted to having been taken advantage of financially when he loaned money to someone close to him who had long since stopped returning his calls. Many others reported that they’ve been unable to recover benefits to which they were entitled.
Fast resolution for legal issues
A week after his clinic visit, the elderly veteran has been fully paid back the money he was due, and volunteer attorneys also assisted him in drafting an estate plan to further protect it. Those who had been denied benefits are now on the path to receive them, and those with questions now have answers and more importantly, options.
You can help our veterans!
These free legal clinics are available because Oklahoma attorneys are active in their communities and support America’s service members. There are several clinics scheduled state-wide for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2011. If you are an OBA member, sign up to volunteer for one. If you are or know of a veteran who needs legal assistance, visit www.okbar.org/heroes and sign up to meet with a volunteer attorney.
