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EVENTS & NEWS
At the Veterans Legal Services annual event in July, VLS and its supporters had the extraordinary pleasure of hearing from Doris Kearns Goodwin and her son, VLS board member Joe Goodwin, about their remarkable experiences as a family as they navigated through school, politics, the military, and beyond.
We are so grateful to Doris and Joe for sharing a glimpse into their personal lives. Special thanks to Jackie Fearer for moderating and engaging Doris and Joe in such meaningful conversation.
Thank you to all the generous sponsors and guests for supporting Veterans Legal Services. Together, we raised over $305,000 to support VLS's mission! Be sure to visit the event page to learn more and view the event photos.
Governor Healey Signs HERO Act
Governor Maura Healey recently signed the most comprehensive piece of veterans’ legislation in Massachusetts history. The HERO Act (An Act Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans) includes over 30 provisions that will positively impact hundreds of thousands of veterans in Massachusetts, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.
VLS co-director Anna Richardson collaborated with other advocates for over a year to help advocate for provisions in the Act, informed by VLS's individual client experiences.
Veterans Legal Services is proud to have advocated for the HERO Act. Building upon the Commonwealth’s history of being a national leader on veterans benefits and services, this new law will expand eligibility for state benefits, update the text of the law to reflect the diversity of the veterans' community, and ensure timely and equitable access for veterans in need of assistance. We thank Governor Healey, Senator Velis, Representative Cassidy, Senator Cronin, and Secretary Santiago for their persistent and dedicated support of Massachusetts veterans and we stand ready to assist veterans who will benefit from the HERO Act.
Federal Bar Association Training:
Veterans’ Legal Issues, Considerations, and Resources
On June 27th, VLS, in collaboration with the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, hosted a panel discussion and training for Federal Bar Association members.​
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The program provided an orientation on military culture for legal practitioners, identified the most common legal issues veterans face and related considerations, and shared information about resources available for veterans and judicial/court staff. The discussion was moderated by Tara Dunn, Judicial Law Clerk, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts; USAF Reserves and featured a panel of attorneys with military experience, including Clerk Nora Tyer-Witek and two VLS board members, Alexandra Trobe and Nicholas Hasenfus. More Info & Resources
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Remembering the Hon. Paul A. Chernoff
Veterans Legal Services is saddened to share that the Hon. Paul A. Chernoff passed away recently. Judge Chernoff has a long, long list of impressive accomplishments throughout his life. VLS met him following his retirement from the bench, in a chapter of his life where he was deeply dedicated to providing free legal help to military veterans in need.
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From 2016 to present, Judge Chernoff volunteered with VLS through the Lawyers Clearinghouse Access to Justice Fellows Program. He attended monthly free legal clinics at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, part of the VA Bedford Healthcare System, where he met with veterans individually to offer counsel and guidance. He greatly impacted many veterans' lives.
Judge Chernoff, thank you for your military service, your public service, and your commitment to pro bono work for veterans. You will be missed. The VLS team extends condolences to Judge Chernoff's family and all who knew him. Judge Chernoff Obituary
