Veterans Clinic Recognized by ‘preLaw’ Magazine for Innovation

The School of Law’s Veterans Clinic has been named among the Top 15 most innovative clinics by preLaw magazine.

One of the leading news sources in legal education, preLaw magazine is honoring 25 law school clinics in its Winter issue, with 15 recognized as the most innovative and 10 as runners-up. To develop its list, preLaw sought nominations from law schools across the United States for clinics that were innovative in subject matter, structure or community served. It reviewed nominations from more than 75 schools.

“We’re honored and proud that our Veterans Clinic has received this important national recognition,” said Law Dean Ken Gormley. “This clinic is particularly important to the law school because it goes to the heart of our mission—serving others, while training our students to devote some of their time and talent to advancing the public good.”

Currently in its third year, the Veterans Clinic was one of the first of its kind in the nation. It offers assistance to veterans who are accepted into the Veterans Court of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Student attorneys are trained in a holistic approach to the law, focusing on the problem-solving philosophy and recidivism-reducing techniques.

Many of the clinic’s clients suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries and other mental health disorders and addictions. The student attorneys, who are certified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to appear in court, prepare and present cases for disposition and stay in contact with clients to ensure that the veterans are following any court-ordered treatment offered as alternatives to incarceration.

Adjunct Clinical Professor Dan Kunz is the supervising attorney for the Veterans Clinic. “The School of Law’s Veterans Clinic is one example of how Duquesne University is leading our nation in innovative ways to assist our veterans,” said Kunz. “To be recognized by making this list of the Top 15 most innovative clinics is a credit not only to the law school, but also to the University and our Catholic and Spiritan identity.”

In addition to Duquesne’s Veterans Clinic, other institutions preLaw magazine named among the Top 15 are Georgetown University Law Center’s Social Enterprise and Nonprofit Law Clinic; the University of California, Berkeley School of Law’s Death Penalty Clinic; and the Seattle University School of Law’s Incarcerated Parents Advocacy Clinic. The list will also appear in the January issue of The National Jurist.

“When it comes to receiving accolades for carrying out work that is truly meaningful and rewarding, it doesn’t get any better than this,” said Gormley.