New York Law Schools Awarded Grants to Fight for Veterans’ Rights

There’s some incredible news out of Albany that’s going to make a big difference for Veterans across New York State. The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services just announced the recipients of this year’s Justice For Heroes grant.

Five law schools, Hofstra, Syracuse, Cornell, University at Buffalo, and Albany Law, will each receive $150,000 to grow or launch programs that provide free legal help to Veterans, Service Members, and their families.

What the Grant Is All About

The Justice For Heroes initiative isn’t just a typical grant, it’s a bold move to close the justice gap for those who’ve served. These funds will help law schools run hands on legal clinics where students and faculty work together to support Veterans facing civil legal challenges. That could mean anything from helping someone upgrade their military discharge status to stopping a foreclosure or getting long-overdue VA benefits. And the best part? All services are offered at no cost to the Veterans.

How the Funding Works

Each school is eligible for up to $50,000 per year over three years, depending on performance and available resources. This is a smart investment not just in legal help, but in the future of public interest law. Law students will get practical experience while making a real impact in the lives of Veterans and their families.

A Closer Look at What Each School Is Doing

Albany Law School: Albany Law is expanding its legal services for Veterans and helping more students find careers in Veterans’ legal affairs. The grant will go toward things like summer stipends for law students and increasing supervisory support at legal service agencies.

Hofstra University School of Law: Hofstra is doing powerful work, especially in supporting Veterans dealing with the lasting impact of military sexual trauma. They’ll use the funding to assist with VA medical care access, discharge upgrades, and service-connected benefit appeals. They also plan to deepen partnerships with trauma experts to provide stronger, more compassionate legal representation.

Syracuse University College of Law: At Syracuse, the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic will use the funding to both expand existing legal help and launch a first of its kind support program for military-connected students, staff, and faculty on campus. Their work includes everything from benefits navigation to training the next wave of Veteran advocates.

Cornell Law School: Cornell plans to strengthen its case support efforts to boost the success rate for Veterans seeking discharge upgrades and benefits. They’ll also enhance student involvement with outreach events and advice clinics in the community.

READ MORE: Ride of Valor Returns: Honor Southern Tier Veterans with Every Mile

University at Buffalo School of Law: UB Law is focusing their efforts on helping Veterans and surviving spouses access crucial pension and survivor benefits. Their outreach will target underserved communities, and their goal is simple but life-changing: reduce poverty, prevent homelessness, and improve quality of life for some of the most vulnerable.

Why It Matters

These programs are meeting real, urgent needs. Veterans often face an uphill battle trying to access the benefits they’ve earned. Legal red tape can be overwhelming, and many don’t know where to turn. The Justice For Heroes grant ensures they don’t have to face it alone.

Voices from the Front Lines

The people behind these programs say it best. Samantha Greer from Hofstra called the grant “a chance to reach Veterans whose needs too often fall through the cracks.” Syracuse’s Elizabeth Kubala emphasized that this effort is all about access to justice. And Professor David Coombs at UB Law said simply, “We are proud to serve.”

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Want to Learn More?

If you or someone you know could benefit from these services or you want more info on the Justice For Heroes grant, contact the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services at (518) 474-6114.