Congratulations to Kristiana Erthner (3L) for being the summer 2013 recipient of the Veterans Clinic Alumni Scholarship.
“I am truly honored to receive this scholarship award,” said Erthner. “It was an absolute privilege to work at the clinic and have the opportunity to assist so many Veterans in need of legal help.”
According to Professor Steve Berenson, who directs the clinic, “Kristiana was both diligent and meticulous in her work on behalf of clients this summer. It was a pleasure working with her.”
Working at the clinic allows students to gain hands on experience. “What’s so unique about the Veterans Clinic is that the students have a real opportunity to form independent attorney-client relationships and see first hand what it means to be an advocate on behalf of their clients,” said Erthner. “I will never forget how truly privileged I felt to stand up next to my clients in court at Stand Down and see the impact my work had on their lives.”
Every year, as part of the TJSL Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic (VLAC), TJSL students represent homeless veterans in Family Court set up at Stand Down which takes place on the handball courts at San Diego High School. VVSD sponsors Stand Down each year to help homeless veterans get back on their feet with legal services, health care and a variety of other support programs.
“Overall, the entire experience has been incredibly humbling and rewarding,” said Erthner.
The Thomas Jefferson School of Law Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic provides legal assistance to the residents and alumni of Veterans Village of San Diego. Veterans Village is a highly successful, residential program that provides housing, substance abuse, mental health, and job training services to formerly homeless veterans who are struggling to regain full participation in society. Areas of concentration include family, consumer and administrative law. Clinic students have primary responsibility for the cases they handle and the clients they represent.
VLAC scholarships are made possible by money raised at the TJSL Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament.
The next Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament will be held Friday, October 11 Sycuan Golf Resort at 3007 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019. Click here for more information or to register.
