CLE Resources in Support of Serving Veterans: May 2012 update

Support for our military families, whether active duty, reserve, Guard and/or veterans, can be a very helpful and satisfying practice area. You can learn about this area of practice while gathering CLE credits; since much of this law is federal in nature, you may be able to use this information whereever you reside.

Plan For October Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Training

The next scheduled training for the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program is on October 19, 2012 in Washington DC; registration will open in Auguest. This program can lead not only to a large amount of free CLE, but a career-changing opportunity to "do well by doing good".

On-Demand Training

Persons eligible for Veterans Administration benefits sometimes require professional assistance in staking their claim. A well-structured claim can also assist the VA in efficient administration. Now you can pick up the basics while earning credit:

• Introduction to Veterans Benefits - by Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. This one-hour program is a good place to start.
• Advocating for Veterans - the Basics on Benefits, Discharge Upgrades and Cultural Competency - by Practising Law Institute. This is a longer, more detailed program.

Legal Aid Program Training And Support

Legal aid programs in support of our military veterans and families often offer education, CLE credit and other helpful support in exchange for volunteer service.

• Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Project
• List of all free CLE tagged "veterans"

Seeking More Resources

If you have free CLE in support of our military and veteran families, or are interested in developing them, please contact us so we can post them here and/or assist in development.

Newsletter

You can learn about more trainings and other free CLE by signing up for our Email Newsletter

Law Firms Can Hire #Veterans Easily via "Hero 2 Hired"!

Charity and good intentions have their place, but what most people want is a job, and veterans are no different from anyone else in that regard. Now your  law firm can easily seek out qualified professionals from the ranks of recently separated servicemembers or those planning their transition, through the new "Hero 2 Hired" program.

• Go to http://h2h.jobs/ and register as an employer
• Go to the candidate search page
• Enter the criteria for the job candidates you seek, such as education, location or occupation while in the military. If you don't know the proper codes for Military Occupations such as JAGs, don't worry - the site has a plain-English lookup that lets you Find military occupations by name. For example, JAG Corps Attorney (Officer) is Occupation 27A.
• Hit "Search" and the odds are you'll get a long list of candidates to consider. What could be easier?

Now, the site does have limits. You can't just wander in off the internet and start stalking servicemembers; employers have to register and there is a short vetting process. However, this feature helps ensure quality for all concerned, making it more valuable to you, as well as to job seekers, than less discerning websites.
Learn more at:
http://h2h.jobs

The Effects of Hiring Tax Credits on Employment of Disabled Veterans: RAND Study

Tax credits can help boost employment and income among veterans with disabilities, according to a new RAND study. An analysis of the 2007 Work Opportunity Tax Credit expansion found that the measure added 64,000 vets with disabilities to the workforce in two years—a two percent increase. The program also boosted annual wages by 40 percent.
Title:
The Effects of Hiring Tax Credits on Employment of Disabled Veterans
Publisher:
RAND
More:
http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP366.html

May 15/St. Paul, MN: #Veterans and The Legal System: Addressing the Realities of Military to Civilian Life #MCLE

This CLE raises awareness about PTSD in veterans. Having served themselves, the presenters understand what veterans go through when they transition from the high-stress military world to civilian life.
Mr. Hunter has represented veterans he believes might have avoided the criminal justice system if their PTSD had been treated. To help those convicted of PTSD-linked non-felony offenses, he advocated for legislation that provides a treatment option, as well as for the Hennepin County Veterans Court. He also gives lectures about PTSD in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans so, they won’t have to suffer silently with the condition.
Mr. Matacastillo was a member of the Minnesota National Guard, had been deployed several times, was an infantry company senior NCO in Iraq with the 3-194 CAB, which stands for Combat Action Badge (awarded since 2001 to soldiers performing duties in an area with hostile fire or imminent danger) and was diagnosed with PTSD.
Title:
Veterans and The Legal System: Addressing the Realities of Military to Civilian Life
When/Where:
Friday, May 18, 2012
Registration | 8:00 a.m. -8:30 a.m.
CLE Program | 8:30 a.m. - noon
Luncheon | 12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hamline University, Klas Center
1536 Hewitt Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104
[Directions/Map]
Deadline to Register:
May 15, 2012 at noon
Cost:
$25-$45 (depending on status)
Presenters:

• Brockton Hunter, Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorney and Veteran’s Advocate
• Hector Matascastillo, Former Army First Sergeant and Army Ranger, recipient of the Bronze Star, and a Rapid Response Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Credit:
3 hours of Elimination of Bias CLE credits applied for
Event Code: 167131
Sponsor:
Minnesota State Bar Association
More:
http://www.mnbar.org/SECTIONS/PUBLIC-LAW/05-18-12.HTML