Information for Law Students

As a Delaware Law student, you can make a real difference in the lives of people who have served their country. The Veterans Law Clinic (VLC) provides free legal representation to primarily low-income, disabled veterans and their dependents for appeals to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The clinic handles cases regarding disability compensation, needs-based pension, Section 1151 claims (malpractice-type claims against the VA), VA overpayment waivers, and dependency and indemnity compensation (survivor benefit). The Clinic also handles discharge upgrade applications and wills and related documents.

What Students Do

Students assist clients through all phases of a case: intake and initial interviews, investigation and gathering of documentary evidence, working with forensic experts, filing petitions, representing clients at hearings, and appellate brief writing. Students also attend the Clinic's Veterans Assistance Days, in which Clinic attorneys provide one-hour, free consultations to veterans.

The Clinic Class

During fall/spring semesters, the Clinic class meets once a week, usually in the evening. Generally, students are enrolled for six credits and are expected to spend 20 hours per week working in the Clinic. Students can enroll for fewer credits with Clinic permission. Summer students operate on a compressed schedule.

Delaware Bar Clerkship Requirement

Students enrolled in the Clinic may be able to satisfy some of their clerkship requirements by working with our Delaware-barred attorney. Please let us know if you plan to sit for the Delaware Bar.

For More Information

If you would like to find out more about interning at the Clinic, please see our Contact Information page to reach out to us to schedule a phone call or a visit.