George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School

M-VETS Student Advisors Secure Favorable Settlement for Veteran in Landlord/Tenant Matter

(Pictured: Student Advisor Holly Kresge and Student Advisor Corey Pray)

In November 2019, the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (“M-VETS”) successfully negotiated and finalized a settlement on behalf of an Air Force Veteran and his wife in connection with a Tenant’s Assertion claim filed by the couple against their former landlord. Leading up to the settlement, M-VETS student advisors Holly Kresge and Corey Pray engaged in extensive trial preparation throughout the semester, but ultimately secured a favorable settlement on behalf of their clients just weeks before trial.

“Holly and Corey did an outstanding job navigating this case through the trial prep process and ultimately reaching a favorable outcome for our clients,” Leigh Winsted, M-VETS Deputy Director said. “Both students worked diligently and professionally and gained valuable practical experience through the process,” Winstead said.

“We needed someone to help us understand the law and our rights as tenants,” said the clients. “We were guided through this process, step by step. The student advisors we were assigned were able to negotiate out of court and bring a favorable resolution. I cannot imagine what we would have done without this program!” said the clients.

M-VETS provides free legal representation to veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their families while allowing law students to gain practical legal experience under the supervision of practicing attorneys. M-VETS provides representation in a variety of matters including Virginia civil litigation matters, uncontested divorces, consumer protection matters, wills and powers of attorney, as well as assisting with matters before the VA and various administrative boards, including discharge upgrades, record corrections, military pay and entitlement matters, and VA disability benefit appeals.