Returning to My Roots: Reflections on the Inaugural Veterans Day Forum at Capital University Law School
On Monday, November 10, 2025, one day before Veterans Day, I had the privilege of returning to Capital University Law School—my alma mater—to participate as a speaker at its Inaugural Veterans Day Forum. Standing once again in my old law school at 303 E. Broad Street in Columbus brought back a flood of memories from my time as a law student, but this time I was there to give back to the community that helped shape my legal career.
The forum brought together legal practitioners, students, and advocates to discuss one of the most important topics in our field: how attorneys can better serve military members and veterans navigating both legal and non-legal remedies. The program offered 2 hours of CLE credit approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio and The Columbus Bar Association. The event was moderated by Bill Butler, Acting President of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and featured fellow co-speakers Sean McCarthy (Chief Legal Counsel at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services) and Judge Marianne Hemmeter of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Why This Forum Mattered to Me
As a solo practitioner based in Washington, D.C., I've spent nearly two decades advocating for veterans, military members, and their families. My practice combines my legal and scientific background to help veterans obtain their proper disability benefits, assist military members with medical boards and record corrections, and navigate the complex federal administrative systems that can feel like a leviathan to those unfamiliar with them.
Most of my cases involve benefits owed, but nearly all of them involve issues of pride and honor. These are individuals who served honorably—who sacrificed for our country—and who deserve timely, fair treatment when they seek the benefits they've earned. Unfortunately, the reality is often far different, with claims taking years (sometimes over a decade) to resolve.
Returning to Capital to share what I've learned over the years felt like coming full circle. This is the institution that gave me the foundation to build my career, and I was honored to help prepare the next generation of attorneys to take on veteran representation with competence, compassion, and commitment.
What We Covered: Three Critical Blocks
The forum was structured into three key sessions, each addressing a different dimension of veteran advocacy:
Block 1: Improving Access and Competence Through State Resources
In this session, attorneys were trained on effectively utilizing the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and County Veterans Services Offices as essential resources for client benefits, records, and coordinated legal referrals. For solo practitioners and new attorneys entering this field, understanding these state-level touchpoints can dramatically improve outcomes for clients. Sean McCarthy's unique background—having served as Assistant Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services—provided invaluable insight into how these systems work and how attorneys and veterans can leverage them.
Block 2: Judicial Administration and Therapeutic Needs
The panel analyzed the legal and procedural structures of Veterans Treatment Courts and Mission Courts, focusing on judicial oversight, collaboration with treatment agencies, and the due-process considerations unique to specialty courts. This session emphasized that effective veteran advocacy goes beyond legal remedies—it requires understanding the therapeutic and holistic needs of clients who may be dealing with co-occurring mental health, substance use, or criminal legal issues. We discussed how veteran care could be greatly improved through better communication among local, state, and federal agencies and services.
Block 3: Federal Advocacy—Navigating the Veterans Claims System
This was where I shared my deep experience in statutory and administrative law governing VA disability appeals, military administrative boards (MEB/PEB), and correction of military records. I emphasized that foundational coursework from my Capital days—administrative law, professional ethics, and alternative dispute resolution—continues to shape my advocacy today. Administrative law isn't just academic theory; it's the backbone of effective agency representation. My ethics training taught me to see my clients' struggles through their perspective, not just through a legal lens, which is vital when working with veterans facing wrongful denials after years of service. Perhaps most surprisingly, my mediation training became one of my most practical tools—helping veterans envision a reasonable resolution and get to "yes" on what the appeals process can realistically achieve, rather than allowing frustration to cloud their judgment. I shared precedent-setting cases from my own practice, including Ferko v. McDonough and Haselwander v. McHugh, where appellate courts overturned wrongful denials and affirmed veterans' rights—victories that represent not just legal wins, but vindications of the principle that persistence, proper strategy, and unwavering client advocacy can overcome even entrenched agency denials.
The Challenges We Discussed
One of the most important conversations during the forum was about the financial and emotional runway required for this type of practice. Working on a contingency basis in veterans law can be challenging, and new attorneys need to understand that returns are unlikely to come quickly. Some of my cases have taken seven, nine, even eleven years or more to resolve. But the work is worth it—both for the financial recovery veterans receive and for the restoration of their dignity and honor.
We also discussed the barriers practitioners face when helping veterans through the VA claims process. Navigating federal administrative boards, understanding the nuances of service connection, and knowing when to request extensions or submit nexus letters are all skills that take time to develop. But with the right training and resources—like the Ohio DVS and county offices or training and education through the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates—attorneys can build competence quickly.
A Personal Commitment to the Veteran Community
This forum wasn't just about sharing legal knowledge—it was about passing on a commitment to service. Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and they deserve attorneys who will fight for them with the same dedication and persistence they showed in uniform.
My practice is built on this principle. I pride myself on prompt, clear communication with clients and ensuring they always know how their case is progressing. Whether appearing remotely before a Board of Veterans Appeals hearing or in person before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims here in D.C., my goal is always the same: to present my clients' cases with professional dedication and persistence that produces results.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
I am grateful to Capital University Law School for inviting me back and giving me the platform to share my experience. Grateful to my fellow panelists—Sean and Judge Hemmeter—for their collaboration and insights. And to Bill for moderating our panel. But most of all, I am grateful to the attorneys and students in attendance who are committed to serving veterans with integrity, professionalism, and honesty.
If you're an attorney considering taking on veteran representation, I encourage you to seek out training opportunities like this forum. Understand the state and federal resources available. Learn the procedural rules and jurisdictional requirements. For anyone passionate about veterans’ benefits matters, the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates (NOVA) is an essential resource. NOVA sets the gold standard in training and supporting those pursuing veterans advocacy. I am approaching 20 years as a member! And above all, remember that every case is about more than just benefits—it's about honor, justice, and doing right by those who served.
To all the veterans reading this: if you've been denied a claim or are struggling to navigate the VA system, know that you're not alone. A denied claim isn't the end of the road. With the right advocate and the right approach, justice is possible.
Thank you again to Capital University Law School for this incredible opportunity. A special shout-out to Dean Joseph Grant, Professor Jennifer Wondracek, Madelyn Davis, and Nick Sanctis! I'm proud to be an alumnus, and I look forward to continuing to support the veteran community for years to come.