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Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office is reinvigorating the Attorney General’s Office Defenders program, adding a partnership with the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic.
“The men and women who protect our country deserve strong legal advocates,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “The Defenders program helps meet that need, but we cannot do it alone. We have partnered with the Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic to better support our military community. I encourage attorneys across our state to join us and volunteer their time and expertise to support those who have served our country. Your service can make a profound difference in the lives of Missouri’s military families.”
The Defenders program was established to provide pro bono assistance to active‑duty service members and other eligible military personnel; combat predatory business practices targeting the military community; and offer education on consumer‑protection issues affecting service members.
Defenders program services include:
- Referrals to pro bono attorneys for representation of claims brought under the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Legal representation for National Guard personnel with certain employment claims arising from State Emergency Duty.
- Combating predatory business practices targeting Missouri’s military communities.
- Educational presentations on military consumer protection issues, civil legal protections for service members, and Defenders services that are available to eligible service members upon request.
Eligibility for the Defenders program includes:
- Service members on active, reserve, or National Guard duty stationed in Missouri;
- Missouri resident service members stationed outside the state;
- Missouri residents who are veterans of the armed forces with at least a general under honorable conditions discharge.
“This relationship is going to significantly advance the assistance we can provide to Missouri veterans. We are honored to have this partnership with the Attorney General,” said Veterans Clinic Director Brent Filbert.
If you are a veteran and have questions about what the Defenders program can assist with, or if you need help with a legal issue, please contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. You may submit an inquiry online or contact them at (573) 751-6733.
Attorneys interested in volunteering with the Defenders program to assist service members and veterans with legal matters and education are welcome to participate.
To request a referral to the Missouri School of Law’s Veterans Clinic for assistance submitting a package for an upgraded discharge characterization, please their website. and file an inquiry or contact the Clinic directly by email or by phone at (573) 882-7630.
About the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic:
Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, law students at the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic help veterans – free of charge – with discharge upgrades and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation claims. Through the direct representation of veterans in VA disability claims and discharge upgrades, the Clinic changes the lives of Missouri veterans and their families and educates law students on the value of serving our country. Additionally, the Clinic participates in amicus brief writing in federal appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, the training and education of practicing attorneys, rural and homeless veteran outreach, and more.