Schuyler County officials, in collaboration with Cornell Law School’s Veterans Law Practicum, will host a free legal services clinic for local veterans and service members on March 19.
The event, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Schuyler County Human Services Building in Montour Falls, will provide legal advice on civil matters, including veterans benefits, discharge upgrades, eviction prevention, family law, estate planning, and benefits claims with the VA and Social Security Administration. Criminal matters will not be covered.
Schuyler County Veterans Services Director Crystal Kawski emphasized the value of legal assistance in securing benefits and discharge upgrades. “The impact of having an attorney present onsite is incredible, especially when veterans apply for benefits or an upgrade in their military discharge,” Kawski said. “Studies show veterans are much more successful in claims for VA benefits when they have an attorney helping them.”
The clinic, developed with assistance from Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman and Cornell adjunct professor James Hardwick, will be staffed by three law students and a supervising attorney. Hardwick explained that while most legal advice will be provided in follow-up letters after research, the clinic offers veterans an opportunity to receive expert guidance.
Veterans are encouraged to sign up in advance to secure one of the 12 available slots, but walk-ins will be accepted. Registration information, including details about pending hearings or deadlines, will help streamline the process.
County Administrator Shawn Rosno praised the initiative and expressed hopes for future clinics. “Schuyler County remains committed to our veterans,” Rosno said. “I want to applaud our veterans director and our county attorney for their initiative in setting up this event and thank Cornell Law School for their assistance to our community.”
Veterans seeking assistance can contact the Schuyler County Veterans Services Agency at (607) 535-2091, visit the office at 323 Owego Street, Montour Falls, or email [email protected].
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].