Today, Assemblymember Harry Bronson (AD-138) and the Greater Rochester Majority Delegation were joined by Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) JustCause, and the Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) for a press conference to announce $100,000 in State funding for a veteran’s legal program called “Lawyer for A Day.”

The on-site pro bono legal consultation service was launched last year by Veterans Outreach Center in response to an overwhelming need, and is a partnership with JustCause, a not-for-profit legal services provider, and the Monroe County Bar Association, to connect justice-involved veterans to legal advice, services, and, in select cases, representation. Retired Monroe County Court Judge and VOC Board member Pat Marks championed the program, stemming from her work with the Veterans Treatment Court. To facilitate these services, JustCause hosts a monthly on-site clinic at VOC where attorneys and paralegals are available to provide veterans with advice and support. Legal requests are pre-screened by qualified VOC staff to ensure volunteer attorneys and veterans are prepared. In 2023, the inaugural year for the program, 44 vets were successfully served.

“I am proud to join VOC in serving those who have served our country with a state investment of $100,000 for the successful Lawyer for a Day program. Thank you JustCause and the many volunteer attorneys in the Monroe County Bar Association who have worked to support our veterans, and my colleagues in the Greater Rochester Majority Delegation who worked with me to secure this funding. This program has demonstrated remarkable results, and this state budget allocation will enable more veterans in our community to access the support they need in dealing with legal matters of all kinds,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson.

"I'm very proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between the Veterans Outreach Center, Monroe County Bar Association and JustCause. Through this partnership, we are offering pro bono legal services to veterans. With the generous funding from NYS with support from Assembly member Harry Bronson, we are committed to empowering our veterans in navigating legal challenges they may face. This initiative underscores our unwavering dedication to serving those who have selflessly served our nation. We extend heartfelt gratitude to NYS for their invaluable support in this endeavor," said Laura Heltz, VOC Executive Director and U.S. Army Veteran.

With this allocation from NY State, VOC will expand the Lawyer for a Day program to serve upwards of 15 vets per month and JustCause will dedicate program staff specifically towards working with justice- involved veterans in our community, as well as providing dedicated and proactive case management.

Common areas of legal inquiry include family law, housing, credit matters, bankruptcy, veteran benefits, employment, heath law (e.g., wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies), contract disputes, and property and deeds. Along with supporting case work and coordinating with MCBA volunteer attorneys, JustCause’s staff attorneys provide direct service to veterans and their families by adjudicating cases in their areas of expertise.

Lawyer for a Day’s impact includes:

• 44 veterans have attended clinics since March 2023, with a total of 63 visits (when counting returning veterans).
• Veterans have been assisted with a wide array of legal issues, including bankruptcy, debt collection, job discrimination, divorce, custody and visitation, child support, landlord/tenant and other housing issues, employment issues, and wills and advance directive documents.
• Veterans who attend legal clinics receive, at minimum, information or advice regarding their legal issue. Many veterans will also receive a referral to one of JustCause’s programs, or to another legal or human services agency, including drug treatment centers.
• Eight pro bono attorneys have volunteered to provide consultations to veterans to date, and five pro bono attorneys have accepted cases.

“The funding for the Lawyer for a Day program will allow us to better serve the civil legal needs of our veterans. I am grateful to all who have made this possible: Monroe County Bar Association, JustCause, Dr. Rashid Muhammed, Laura Heltz, Veterans Outreach Center, and Assembly Member Harry Bronson. I recognized the need for civil legal services when I was presiding judge of the Monroe County Veterans Treatment Court; over the past few years our volunteer lawyers have served the needs of the veterans on a bit of a patchwork basis. We can now make this a formal part of our legal services to better serve those veterans who have so bravely served our country,” said Judge Pat Marks.

"Many men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces face additional challenges after their service. Thanks to the new funding secured by Assembly Member Bronson, more local veterans will be empowered with the legal assistance they need to overcome these challenges. JustCause is proud to partner with the Veterans Outreach Center and the Monroe County Bar Association on this important program, which benefits our entire community,” said Tina Foster, Just Cause Executive Director

In addition to funding for the Lawyer for a Day Program, the Greater Rochester Majority Delegation also ensured $250,000 for VOC’s annual operational expenditures.

Senator Samra G. Brouk (SD-55) said, "As a member of the New York Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, I am proud to support this free legal clinic for our veterans, ensuring they receive the representation and access to the legal system that they rightfully deserve. Our veterans have sacrificed much for our country, and it is our duty to support them in every possible way. Providing free legal services not only honors their contributions but also reinforces our community’s commitment to justice and equality for all. No one should face legal challenges alone, and with this clinic we can ensure that every veteran has the opportunity to receive the legal assistance they need and deserve.”

Senator Jeremy Cooney (SD-56) said, “Our veterans dedicated themselves to serving our country and keeping our communities safe, it’s only right that we do everything we can to support them in their time of need. “Lawyer for a Day” has been a key part of providing this support, and with this partnership between the VOC, JustCause, the Monroe County Bar Association and Assemblymember Bronson, we’re ensuring that this crucial program will continue to provide a wide range of legal services to our local heroes.”

Assemblyman Demond Meeks (AD-137) said, “Many of our veterans struggle with an array of personal challenges upon their return to civilian life. These challenges are often unique to life following military service and require special attention and careful consideration. The Lawyer for a Day program empowers underserved, justice-involved veterans with vital legal resources and direct representation that allows them to navigate our justice system with confidence. Programs such as these are instrumental in ensuring that veterans are made aware of the rights and privileges available to them. I want to thank the Veterans Outreach Center, as well as the volunteers and staff of JustCause and the Monroe County Bar Association, for their contributions and ongoing commitment to our military service members and families.”

Assemblywoman Sarah Clark (AD 136) said, “I am so pleased that the Veterans Outreach Center will be able to provide the Lawyer For A Day program. Every veteran who comes through these doors made a sacrifice in service to our country and deserves to have their needs met. The support veterans receive from visiting attorneys is incredibly important to ensuring proper navigation on a whole range of earned benefits through often complex systems. At the same time many returning service members often experience unique challenges where legal expertise is required. Thank you to Assemblymember Bronson, Just Cause, the Monroe County Bar Association, and the Veterans Outreach Center for their unwavering support of veterans in our community.”

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford (AD-135) said, "This community is incredibly lucky to have organizations like Veterans Outreach Center and Just Cause, who can connect veterans with the services and resources they need. My father, a Vietnam War veteran, taught me that we have a duty to protect veterans the same way they protected us, which is exactly what "Lawyer For a Day" and the other programs offered through the Veterans Outreach Center aim to do. I am always proud to support organizations like VOC to ensure that they can continue the invaluable work they do to support and uplift the brave men and women who served our country."

About VOC: For over 50 years Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) has consistently worked to offer supportive services and to address the needs of Monroe County’s veterans and their families through a variety of outreach opportunities. All services are free, and VOC’s extensive network of programs includes substance use and mental health support, employment and job training, health and wellness, and housing. VOC has been an invaluable resource to the greater Rochester-Monroe County region.

JustCause hosts a pro-bono legal clinic on the second Wednesday of each month at VOC. For veterans who need legal support, please contact the Veterans Outreach Center to learn more about how you can be connected to this program. If you are an attorney or paralegal who is interested in volunteering, please contact Tina Foster at JustCause: tfoster@justcauseny.org