Patriot Thursdays is a partnership between the Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic (M-VETS) and American Legion Post 139 located in Arlington, Virginia. This partnership will be housed at American Legion Post 139’s location at 3445 Washington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia 22201.  M-VETS is able to provide much needed legal services to members of the military, their dependents and veterans.  Due to the proximity of Post 139 to the Antonin Scalia Law School, it was an ideal partnership to form.  Providing direct access to legal resources to the large veteran population in our geographic area is a priority for M-VETS. M-VETS provides legal representation concerning VA Disability/Benefit Appeals, Discharge Review Boards, Boards for Correction of Military Records, Medical/Physical Evaluation Boards, and military legal issues.

A unique service offered by the M-VETS legal clinic is the ability of the clinic to provide representation to clients in Northern Virginia civil courts in certain situations. M-VETS partnership with American Legion Post 139 will provide the opportunity for veterans and Servicemembers to speak one-on-one with attorneys and student advisors in an informal setting regarding a wide variety of civil matters such as landlord/tenant issues, contract disputes, or guidance in the divorce or separation process.  Many times clients simply need legal advice rather than representation and this will create a comfortable, confidential forum for that advice.  An initial consultation with a private attorney could cost as much as $400 for something as simple as advice on your rights as a tenant.

M-VETS will conduct office hours at Post 139 by appointment on Thursdays from 1300 until 1600 in order to provide legal services in a familiar and friendly environment. Post 139 will provide confidential workspace which will allow for veterans to have their legal matters heard by student advisors in the M-VETS program with supervision by an M-VETS attorney.  More information can be obtained and appointments can be made for this program by filling out Applicant Intake Form for Patriot Thursdays, by email at mvets@gmu.edu, or by phone (703) 993-8214.  American Legion Post 139 can be reached at legionpost139@gmail.com or (703) 524-1396.