Veterans Clinic Consortium Hosts Third National Boot Camp (by Jennifer Morrell, Delaware Law School Veterans Law Clinic)

On September 15, 2023, The National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium held its third National Boot Camp, a training event for new and returning interns at clinics serving veterans. The event, themed "Visualizing Practice," was attended by over 100 law student interns and clinicians from across the country. Judge Mary J. Schoelen, senior judge at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), delivered the keynote address.   

 

Judge Schoelen discussed her professional background, the CAVC, and veterans law in general, assuring attendees at the start of her address that their work truly matters. "You are really making a difference in the lives of the veterans you are representing," she said.  

 

Regarding her background, Judge Schoelen shared that she was intent on a career in public service, and one of her early experiences was at the National Veterans Legal Services Program. "One of my first clients whose case I won said, 'Now I can stay in my house,' and that just got to me. Still does today. So, who wouldn't want to keep doing that?"  

 

Judge Schoelen spoke about the wide variety of careers available in veterans law and encouraged law students, at a minimum, to take on pro bono veterans law cases once they're barred. For those who want to make a career out of veterans law, she made a strong case for doing just that:

• "We only have 36 volumes of our reporters ... which is not a lot. That shows you there are still so many areas that are ripe for examination and questions and creative arguments."
• "The community of people who work in veterans law is tremendous. It's generally very collegial.  They're very committed to improving the system and helping veterans." 
• "This feeling of helping people and making a difference in their lives is just addictive, and you will love it."  

Touching on the work of the CAVC, Judge Schoelen told attendees the court received over 7,400 appeals last year, approximately 75% of which were disposed of through mediation. She said the court typically receives about 10% of the cases decided by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. She noted that a number of CAVC cases have made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, including one that will be heard this term that she worked on—Rudisill v. McDonough. Scheduled for argument on November 8, Rudisill is about a veteran trying to maximize his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.   

 

Judge Schoelen reminded attendees that the CAVC occasionally travels to law schools to hear oral argument. She encouraged students and schools to reach out to Judge Michael Allen if their school is interested in hosting the court. 

 

For students just starting out in veterans law, she offered this advice: "Be as prepared as you can be, but realize you're never going to be totally prepared, and be flexible and comfortable in that unpreparedness." She encouraged students to utilize the resources within their reach, such as research and consulting with professors and fellow students. Networking, she suggested, is not just about getting jobs, but also about getting you a better result by "building relationships ... so you know where to get answers or to help you find them."

 

Following the keynote address, the Boot Camp consisted of four simulations, performed by clinicians and their students:

• an Initial Intake Interview, presented by Judy Clausen and Amy Fulmer
• a Discharge Review Board Hearing, presented by Yelena Duterte, John Brooker, Brent Filbert, Hugh McClean, and Jenny Vanacker (student participants: Ashley Tuburan, Cam Canner, Trevor Jones)
• a Student/Supervisor Meeting, presented by Alex Scherr (student participants: Teco Proffitt, Madison Tucker)
• a Board of Veterans' Appeals Hearing, presented by Jennifer Morrell and Hillary Wandler (student participants: Eryn Scott, Amy Rathke)

Each simulation was followed by a discussion of best practices and questions from attendees. The program also consisted of a tribute to veterans attorney Evan Seamone, who passed away in July. 

 

The Boot Camp is available for viewing by members on the Consortium's website. If you are interested in joining the Consortium, please check out our membership page.  The Consortium intends to hold the Boot Camp biennially moving forward, with the next event scheduled for fall 2025.