Legal Resources for Veterans

There are numerous free and low-cost legal services specifically for veterans, ranging from government-affiliated programs to independent nonprofit organizations. These services cover issues like VA disability benefits, discharge upgrades, and general civil matters like housing or family law.

Key National Organizations

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)

An independent nonprofit that provides free legal representation to ensure veterans receive their earned disability benefits. Their Lawyers Serving Warriors® program specifically helps with discharge upgrades and combat-related compensation. Lawyers Serving Warriors can be reached at nvlsp.org

The Veterans Consortium (TVC)

A national program that offers free legal services for veterans appealing denied benefit cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. You can find more info at the Veterans Consortium website: vetsprobono.org

Stateside Legal

A comprehensive online resource that helps veterans and their families find local legal help and self-help materials for housing, employment, and family law issues. Visit StatesideLegal.org for a nationwide map of legal aid

American Bar Association (ABA) Home Front

Provides a Directory of Programs that lists state-by-state free and low-cost legal services for civil problems. This directory is located on ABA website: americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/milvets/

VA-Affiliated Legal Support

VA Pro-Bono Clinics

Many VA medical facilities host free legal clinics in partnership with local legal service providers. You can check the official listing of pro-bono clinics at va.gov/ogc/legalservices.asp to find one nearby

Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO

Specialists at VA Medical Centers can connect “justice-involved” veterans (those in the criminal justice system) with legal clinics and community resources. 

Types of Assistance Provided

While many organizations focus on VA disability claims, others are dedicated to helping veterans navigate civilian life. Many nonprofit legal aid organizations and law school clinics help veterans with everyday legal problems that have nothing to do with the VA. These may include:

  • Housing & Real Estate: Assistance with eviction defense, foreclosure prevention, and resolving landlord-tenant disputes.
  • Family Law: Help with divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption.
  • Consumer Protection: Support for bankruptcy, debt collection, repossessions, and predatory lending issues.
  • Employment Rights: Legal guidance on USERRA (which protects veterans from workplace discrimination) and wrongful termination.
  • Criminal Record Issues: Clinics often provide help with expungements and pardons to improve employment