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THE PROBLEM: Many of California's roughly 1.8 million military veterans cannot afford to hire an attorney but need legal help. For instance, a less-than-honorable discharge related to posttraumatic stress disorder can limit job options and access to health care - even if the PTSD resulted from military service.
THE PRO BONO OPPORTUNITY: In exchange for a commitment to take on a case, the Veterans Legal Institute plans to offer Southern California lawyers free training on veterans' legal issues and strategies.
State military reserve JAG officer Antoinette N. Balta and California National Guard JAG officer Dwight Stirling launched the nonprofit in Fountain Valley this year to provide legal services locally, address sexual assault in the military, and advocate for better protections for veterans. Balta is a former staff attorney with the Public Law Center in Santa Ana and codeveloped its veterans reentry project. Stirling, a member of the National Guard Reserves, has taught military law at Chapman University.
TO GET INVOLVED: Call 949/214-4812, or email Balta at abalta@vetslegal.com .
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Kari Santos
Daily Journal Staff Writer
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