Missouri – For Missouri service members and veterans facing a legal problem, the path to help is getting a new boost. The state is strengthening a program designed to connect military families with free legal assistance while expanding the network available to support them.
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office is reinvigorating the Attorney General’s Office Defenders program through a new 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.”
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The Defenders program provides pro bono assistance to eligible military personnel while also targeting legal and consumer issues that can disproportionately affect service members.
Its services include referrals to volunteer attorneys for claims under the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The program can also provide legal representation to National Guard members in certain employment disputes tied to State Emergency Duty.
Beyond individual cases, the initiative works to combat predatory business practices targeting Missouri’s military communities. Educational presentations covering consumer protection, civil legal protections and available Defenders services are also offered upon request.
Eligibility covers active-duty, reserve and National Guard members stationed in Missouri, Missouri residents serving outside the state, and Missouri veterans who received at least a general under honorable conditions discharge.
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The partnership adds another resource through the Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic, where law students work under experienced attorneys to provide veterans with free help involving discharge upgrades and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation claims.
“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.
Veterans seeking assistance can submit an inquiry through the Defenders program website or call (573) 751-6733. Veterans seeking a referral for help with an upgraded discharge characterization may also contact the Veterans Clinic at [email protected] or (573) 882-7630.
Attorneys willing to donate their time can register through the state’s Defenders volunteer form, expanding the pool of legal professionals available to Missouri’s military families.
