Students handle family law-related matters, minor and adult guardianships, and housing issues, and can execute simple wills and powers of attorney. The program is a cross-disciplinary collaboration between the Community Law Center and Loyola’s School of Social Work.

Many service members leaving the military and returning to Chicagoland aren’t prepared for the transition home, according to a 2016 study conducted by the University of Southern California’s Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans & Military Families and Loyola’s School of Social Work.

“A wide range of organizations work to meet needs of veterans, but few—if any—provide holistic social and civil legal support to veterans, active service members, and their families,” says Vaughan (JD ’14).

Until now, veterans and their families have had to navigate multiple service providers to address intrinsically connected legal and social-emotional issues. The more complex access becomes, the less likely veterans are to pursue services, the study found.

“The Veteran’s Practicum is helping to eliminate a major barrier to access and also serves to promote a healthy overall transition back to civilian life,” she says.

Since the launch of the Veterans Practicum, Vaughan and Loyola law students have provided full legal representation, most requiring litigation, to more than 25 clients. 

“We’re thrilled to have Emily directing this important initiative that gives our student the opportunity to represent Chicago’s veterans who have served their country with great honor but are often underserved themselves,” adds Theresa Ceko, director of the Community Law Center.