On November 11, the nation will honor our military personnel, whose service ensures the protections of the rule of law for all of us. Emory Law celebrates Veterans Day by saluting the many veterans among our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We also recognize the companion sacrifices of those whose loved ones serve.

Emory Law has a long history of supporting members and veterans of the armed forces. After returning from theaters of war around the world, a tight-knit group of World War II veterans enrolled here, many using the benefits afforded by the G.I. Bill. This influx of dedicated students allowed us to reinstitute a full-time day program in 1946. In return, the law school provided veterans the basis for a successful legal career and reentry to civilian life.

Emory Law continues its important work on behalf of Georgia veterans seeking the benefits earned by their service, thanks to the excellent work of the Volunteer Clinic for Veterans, founded by two Emory Law students in 2013. Since its inception, 40 student and 70 attorney volunteers have handled 158 cases. As a result of their successful dispositions, more than $4.7 million in economic benefits have been awarded to veterans and their families. Clinic volunteers’ work has ranged from addressing disability ratings for traumatic brain injury and PTSD to developing legislation to create veterans courts in Georgia. The VCV received the 2014 Law School Excellence in Access to Justice Group Award from the State Bar of Georgia Access to Justice Committee. Americorps supports the ongoing work of the clinic by providing funds for two Equal Justice Works Fellows.

We continue to welcome veterans enthusiastically to our community, offering tuition assistance to veterans and their dependents through our partnership with the Veterans Administration Yellow Ribbon Program. Emory Law’s National Security Law Society provides a forum for our students to explore military issues and the law. 
On Wednesday, November 2, we were pleased to host oral arguments for the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

As the country honors our veterans, we honor this powerful legacy and recommit ourselves to the principles of liberty and freedom for which these individuals have worked so hard and given so much.