Effective today, George Mason University School of Law will officially become the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. M-VETS celebrated the name change with the introduction of our new banners to the atrium and 4th floor which welcome our military and veteran clients to Scalia Law School! Read more
Category: Blog
MVETS, DAV, and American Legion Host Veterans Benefit Fair
On Saturday March 14, 2015, the George Mason University School of Law Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 10, and American Legion Post 177, are joining forces to host an Information Seminar and Veterans Benefits Fair at Founder’s Hall on the George Mason University Arlington Campus, 3351 N. Read more
Sexual Assault, the Military, and Victim Resources
By: Allison Walsh, CLASV Student Advisor Spring 2014
Sexual assault is a serious crime that has recently pervaded the media, particularly in regard to the military services. “The Pentagon estimates that 26,000 troops were assaulted or raped [in 2012]. But only a fraction of them, about 3,300, filed reports with military police or prosecutors in that time period.” Read more
Sexual Assault in the Military
By Eric Cheung- Spring 2014 CLASV Student Advisor
The military is said to be regimented, structured, and orderly to help mold individuals to follow commands instinctively. This system is instilled in the very beginning of an individual’s military career. The military provides a methodically planned schedule for all their recruits. Read more
How to Claim VA Benefits Without a Discharge Upgrade: Character of Service Determinations
By Kevin Hill, Spring 2014 CLASV Student Advisor
If you were discharged from active duty with a less than fully Honorable military discharge, you have what is called “bad paper.” Any discharge of less than an Honorable may have implications upon health care and educational benefits once transitioning from combat to community life. Read more
Getting Your Legal Affairs in Order Before You Deploy
By Michelle Caton ’13, Fall 2013 CLASV Student Advisor
Preparing for a deployment involves a seemingly endless stream of paperwork, meetings, and decisions. In the hectic weeks prior to departing, it can be easy to overlook some important actions that you can do to make life for yourself and your family a little simpler while you are gone. Read more
Security Clearance Considerations when Leaving Military Service
By: Garrett VanPelt, CLASV Student Advisor Summer 2013
Many servicemembers receive security clearances during their military service and these clearances can be a distinct advantage when transferring into the civilian workforce. The high cost of obtaining a fresh security clearance is a large incentive for employers to hire servicemembers with current clearance investigations; however, servicemembers may not be aware of the regulations surrounding their clearances and how to ensure that they can leverage their clearances to obtain civilian employment. Read more
Down Goes DOMA: The Affect on the U.S. Military
By Linda Tran, Summer 2013 CLASV Student Advisor
When the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) became effective in 1996, it prevented the federal government from recognizing the legal marriages of same-sex couples for the purpose of federal laws or programs.[1] Same-sex spouses were denied federal benefits such as Social Security, veterans’ benefits, health insurance, and retirement savings. Read more
Veterans’ Courts: A Judicial Model for Treating the Invisible Wounds of War
By J. Justin Collins, CLASV AmeriCorps Summer 13 Fellow & Student Advisor
Since 2001, approximately 2.2 Million servicemen and women have deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (“OEF”) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (“OIF”). [i] Of these deployed servicemembers, 36.7% took small arms fire, 48% killed an enemy combatant, 51% handled human remains, 28% were responsible for the death of a non-combatant, and 86% knew someone who was killed or seriously injured. Read more
The DREAM Act–Allowed to Serve?
By Eric Cheung, Summer 2013 CLASV Student Advisor
Wouldn’t you agree that our Armed Forces should accept any individual who is well-educated, has no criminal past, and most importantly, is ready and willing to serve our country? In fact, this is not the case for undocumented immigrants. Read more