The Homeless Veterans Legal Clinic
RICKY PANAYOTY Ricky Paynayoty 2025 JD Candidate 2023-2024 President of the Student Bar Association , AJMLS rpanayoty @ johnmarshall . edu
At Atlanta ’ s John Marshall Law School ( AJMLS ), the Homeless Veterans Legal Clinic is bridging the gap between legal aid and real-life challenges faced by homeless veterans . This initiative , which has served over 300 veterans since its founding in 2016 , addresses essential needs ranging from securing housing to expunging misdemeanor criminal charges , providing a safety net for those struggling to reintegrate into society . Now bolstered by funding from the U . S . Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA ), the clinic has broadened its reach to assist veterans across the greater Atlanta area .
Supervised by Corey Martin — a military veteran , seasoned attorney , and AJMLS alumnus — the Legal Clinic offers free representation to veterans across Georgia in cases that have the power to change their lives . “ Many of the veterans we work with face issues related to addiction , which can lead to offenses like DUIs and unpaid fines ,” Martin explains . Losing a driver ’ s license can often be the final hurdle keeping veterans from rebuilding their lives , but the clinic is dedicated to preventing such setbacks . “ Our goal is to restore not only their records but also their self-sufficiency and dignity ,” he adds .
The Legal Clinic is open on Tuesdays , Wednesdays , and the second Friday of each month for walk-ins , serving veterans who need legal assistance on a range of issues . This includes representation for misdemeanors , probation violations , eviction prevention , and VA benefits counseling . A John Marshal Law student
Chinyere Marshall , whose own background includes a family legacy of military service , says her experience working with the clinic has been transformational . “ The clinic doesn ’ t just provide legal support — it also offers outreach , housing , and job resources ,” she shares . “ Seeing Attorney Martin go to court for our veterans is inspiring . It shows how much dedication goes into each case .”
For law students like Marshall , the clinic offers handson experience that goes far beyond textbooks and lectures . Students are actively involved in case documentation , management , and coordination with courts , building crucial skills through direct practice . “ The clinic immerses students in criminal defense ,” Marshall explains , “ and it ’ s empowering to follow a case from start to finish , knowing you ’ re making a difference .”
The Homeless Veterans Legal Clinic is a testament to the power of legal advocacy to change lives , one case at a time . Through this impactful program , AJMLS continues to honor the service and resilience of our veterans , turning legal victories into steppingstones for a brighter future .
Veterans seeking assistance , or those interested in supporting the clinic ’ s work , can reach out to the Homeless Veterans Legal Clinic at AJMLS via Email at : vetclinic @ johnmarshall . edu or by phone at : ( 678 ) 916- 2645 .
8 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024