Over half a million veterans have received less than honorable discharges ( known as “bad paper” ) since 1980 . This prevents them from accessing veterans’ services, housing assistance, heath care, and educational benefits , often with devastating results. Veterans with bad paper are seven times as likely to become homeless, twice as likely to commit suicide, and more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system. How can lawyers help?
Listen to the latest episode of Pursuing Justice and hear how Matt Caplan, a partner with Cooley LLP, and Holly Christian, a pro Bono manager and staff attorney with Swords to Plowshares dedicate their time to helping veterans secure their benefits.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
Matt Caplan
Matt Caplan is a trial lawyer whose practice focuses on technology-based litigation. His experience spansacross all types of intellectual property litigation, as well as consumer class actions and healthcare litigation. He has successfully represented a wide range of clients through trial and appeal. Matt approaches his practice pragmatically, working in tandem with clients to get the best results, whether that means looking for ways to avoid disputes, resolving a case early on, or winning in court.
Holly L. Christian
Holly L. Christian is the Pro Bono Manager and Staff Attorney at Swords to Plowshares. She previously worked for the American Bar Association where she served as the Veterans Pro Bono Coordinator and Chief Counsel to the Standing Committee on Armed Forces Law and Coordinating Committee on Veterans Benefits and Services. Holly is a graduate of DePaul University College of Law and the University of Dayton. Holly also holds multiple leadership roles in Phi Alpha Delta, a professional law fraternity. She is barred in Illinois.
