Veterans Legal Services (VLS) is pleased to announce that McCarter & English, LLP (McCarter) is its 2022 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award winner.
Over the past year, McCarter serviced eight VLS pro bono cases. Volunteer attorneys from the firm represented economically disadvantaged military veterans across a wide range of legal matters including criminal record sealing (to promote housing and employment prospects), housing stabilization, divorce, child custody, child support, guardianship, and estate planning.
“McCarter attorneys understand that veterans need and deserve our help,” said Matthew Van Eman, M.D., Esq., a partner at the firm’s Boston office. “It is our responsibility and privilege to be of service, and we are grateful to VLS for making it possible for us to lend a hand.”
In addition to providing representation on individual cases, McCarter attorneys have volunteered in person at VLS’s legal clinic for veterans at the Bedford VA. And, this September, five McCarter attorneys volunteered at the 2022 Greater Boston Stand Down at Boston City Hall Plaza. Stand Down is an annual event that brings together community providers and veterans in one place to provide veterans with easy access to services. This year, VLS and its volunteer attorneys met with 35 veterans in one day to provide legal counseling on critical matters such as evictions, family law problems, and trouble accessing veterans benefits.
“You will rarely have the opportunity to make such a critical difference in the life of another person as you will volunteering to provide legal services to help veterans,” noted Mia Frabotta, Esq., another partner at McCarter’s Boston office. “Working with VLS is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you can have as a lawyer."
McCarter was a three-star sponsor of VLS’s annual event, “I Serve,” which took place in June 2022 and featured U.S. Congressman and Marine Corps veteran Seth Moulton (MA-6th) as its keynote speaker. In recent months, the firm has been engaging with VLS Pro Bono Director Angie Vargas Martin, Esq., to organize training and mentorship sessions for its Boston-based attorneys who are interested in learning more about veterans’ legal issues and accepting pro bono cases in support of VLS’s clients.
“VLS is grateful for all of McCarter’s good work, including, but not limited to, accepting pro bono matters, jumping back in to volunteer at VLS’s Bedford VA legal clinic in person earlier this year, and volunteering at this year’s Stand Down,” Vargas commented. “McCarter attorneys have shown a willingness to help in any way they can. And their steadfast commitment and support greatly enhances VLS's ability to serve and advocate for our veterans.”
Pictured, from left: McCarter & English Partner Mia Frabotta, Esq., McCarter & English Partner Matthew Van Eman, and VLS Pro Bono Director Angie Vargas.
About Veterans Legal Services
Veterans Legal Services is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to help Massachusetts veterans overcome adversity by providing free civil legal aid that honors their service, promotes well-being, and responds to their distinctive needs. Founded in 1991 by a group of Boston College Law School students, the organization has grown to a full-time staff of 10, a network of 255 private practice pro bono attorneys from over 25 law firms across Massachusetts, an annual operating budget of $1.6 million, and a service reach of over 700 veterans per year. For more information, visit www.veteranslegalservices.org.
About McCarter & English, LLP
McCarter & English delivers innovative solutions to clients nationwide. Fortune 100, mid-market and emerging growth companies rely on McCarter to handle their cutting-edge transactional, intellectual property, and complex litigation advice. Clients benefit from the firm’s relationship-driven approach, deep understanding of their businesses and legal needs, lean and efficient service model, and determination to help them move their businesses forward. In 2020, McCarter was recognized as Law Firm of the Year by the New Jersey Law Journal, and in 2019 received the prestigious ABA Pro Bono Publico award. For more information, visit www.mccarter.com.
For more information, please contact VLS Communications & Development Director Noel Martin Rubio at noel@veteranslegalservices.org.