LEGAL

Pro Bono Program

Swords to Plowshares is proud to provide free legal services to veterans seeking assistance with military discharge upgrade applications through the Department of Defense.

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

Connecting with the veteran community

Each year, our attorneys help hundreds of veterans, but many more are in need of legal assistance. The processes to obtain a discharge upgrade can be complex and confusing, and the chances of success are much lower without a lawyer advocating on behalf of the veteran. That is why in 2009, we launched the Pro Bono Program to increase our capacity to reach more low-income and unhoused veterans in need of discharge upgrade assistance.

2024 Pro Bono Law Firm of the YeaR

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins has been instrumental in advocating on behalf of veterans with less than honorable, or "bad paper," discharges, which can unfairly prevent them from accessing vital VA benefits. For over eight years, Latham has represented Swords to Plowshares in a petition for rulemaking as well as in two lawsuits against VA regarding its Character of Discharge (COD) regulations, which determine whether a veteran with "bad paper" is eligible for VA benefits. Latham's tireless advocacy led the VA to finally publish improved COD regulations in April 2024, which will make it easier for veterans to access the benefits and care they had previously been denied.

BECOME A PARTNER

Partner with us

Our Pro Bono Program offers both limited and full scope volunteer opportunities primarily through legal clinics, representation in military discharge upgrade applications, and records review. Our Pro Bono Manager & Staff Attorney is available to schedule clinic participation, give trainings, and provide ongoing case mentorship. For more information on the Pro Bono Program and firm involvement, please contact us below.

THANK YOU

Our Dedicated Pro Bono Partners

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLC

Shook, Hardy, & Bacon LLP

Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney, P.C.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

WilmerHale

Travelers Claim Legal Group

Sidley Austin LLP

Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Perkins Coie LLP

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

Nixon Peabody

Morrison & Foerster LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP

Kirkland & Ellis

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

Keker & Van Nest LLP

Jones Day

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Hanson Bridgett LLP

Greenberg Traurig

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Fenwick & West

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Duane Morris LLP

DLA Piper

Dentons

Covington & Burling LLP

Cooley LLP

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass

Clyde & Co

Chevron