Albany Law School Hosting Veteran Law Day Nov. 15
Albany Law School students and local attorneys are joining forces with area veteran service organizations to aid Capital Region veterans again this year for the 2024 Veterans Pro Bono Project.
On Friday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., veterans, current service members, and their families are invited to Albany Law School for in-person, one-on-one legal consultations from a volunteer attorney. Also, organizational representatives will be on hand with information in the areas of veteran benefits, housing assistance, veteran entrepreneurship, and legal expertise.
The event is free, but registration is preferred for a legal consultation time slot. Local organizations will be on hand throughout the day for walk-ins services at individual tables as well.
The annual on-campus event is organized by the Veterans’ Pro Bono Project at Albany Law School, comprised of students who recruit alumni and volunteer attorneys to help veterans with legal questions. Student leaders also hope the day can concurrently help law students looking to gain practical experience.
“Veteran Law Day is the most important event of the year for our Project. It is our chance to support the heroes who served (and sacrificed) in uniform to protect the U.S. Constitution. As a veteran, and future veteran law attorney, this event hits close to home. Please come join the fun with local community lawyers, law students, non-profits, veterans, and families, to connect, solve problems, and enjoy a free lunch!” said Jacob Skoda, 3L, Student Director, Veterans Rights Pro Bono Project.
"We are thrilled to be in our third year of partnership with Albany Law School and The Legal Project. This collaborative event serves as a one-stop shop for veterans and their families, offering invaluable resources and pro bono counseling. By raising awareness of the comprehensive services available—including housing, health benefits, employment support and so much more—we empower those who have served our country to navigate their options effectively. This initiative not only highlights the full spectrum of veteran services but also creates opportunities for meaningful connections within our community,” said Kathy Caruso, Executive Director of the McNulty Veteran Business Center.
Again this year, the group partnered with the McNulty Veteran Business Center and The Legal Project to provide expanded resources. The 17 participating veteran services organizations include:
- Albany County Veterans Services Bureau
- Albany Stratton VA Medical Center
- Capital District Women Veterans
- City of Albany, Fair Housing Office
- DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
- The Justice Center at Albany Law School
- The Legal Project
- McNulty Veteran Business Center
- NYS Department of Labor, Local Veterans’ Employment
- NYS Department of Veterans Services
- Patriot Hills of New York
- Rensselaer County Veterans Service Agency
- Schenectady County Veteran Peer Support Program
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, New York Regional Office
- Veterans Business Outreach Center at McNulty Center (NY/NJ)
- Veterans and Community Housing Coalition
- Veterans Resource Outreach Center at HVCC
The Veterans' Pro Bono Project is presented in memory of recent Albany Law School student, SSG Joseph Gentile. Gentile enlisted in the Army in 2003 and served in several tours overseas where he earned the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star. He medically retired in 2015. He met his wife Jillian, and her son Frank, in late 2015 and were married in 2018. After attending Marist College, he came to Albany Law School in 2020. He died in September 2020. Gentile is remembered as an adored and doting husband, loving and caring father and stepfather, he will forever be remembered for his silent strength, loyalty, strength, and selflessness. His wife Jillian graduated from Albany Law School in May 2024.
