The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), a nonprofit organization that offers pro bono support to help veterans and active duty personnel obtain compensation and benefits from the US government, has honored WilmerHale with its 2017 Pro Bono Partner of the Year Award. The award is an annual recognition that highlights exceptional individuals and organizations who share the NVLSP commitment and extraordinary service to the nation's veterans.
“NVLSP has worked diligently over the years to build a network of lawyers who can navigate the system for veterans,” shared WilmerHale Partner Thomas Saunders, who accepted the award on behalf of the firm. “The expertise the organization has amassed is breathtaking and the ability to leverage that expertise through the work of partners is a tribute to its wonderful leadership and staff, and its talent for teaching and inspiring others.”
WilmerHale has been a valued partner of NVLSP's Lawyers Service Warriors (LSW) program since 2007, and was one of the first law firms to accept pro bono cases from the organization. Over the years, the firm has represented 137 veterans and active duty service members in a range of pro bono matters through NVLSP. This includes representation before regional offices of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), Physical Evaluation Boards, Boards for Correction of Military Records, and Combat-Related Special Compensation Boards. The firm is currently NVLSP's primary partner in LSW's newest project representing veterans before the BVA whose cases originate from the Texas Veterans Commission. Through this project, WilmerHale attorneys represent veterans who have had a claim for disability benefits adjudicated and remanded by the CAVC by developing additional evidence in support of the veteran's claim and preparing a legal brief.
“We congratulate WilmerHale on this award and thank all those at the firm who provided pro bono representation for our nation's veterans,” said NVLSP Joint Executive Director Barton Stichman. “Together, we are helping to improve their lives, as their service to our country has improved ours.”
WilmerHale was honored during the NVLSP's ninth annual Benefit Reception on November 16 in Washington DC.