Free legal advice clinic for veterans returns November 17

Published on November 04, 2026

The Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services and Cornell Law School’s Veterans Law Practicum will host a free legal advice clinic for veterans on Tuesday, November 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Department of Veterans Services, 111 N. Albany St. in Ithaca. The entrance is beside the mural.

Veterans will meet with Cornell law students and their supervising attorneys to discuss civil legal concerns. Preregistration is required to secure an appointment. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

“We are proud to welcome the Veterans Legal Advice Clinic back to our department during a month when we honor veterans’ service,” said J.R. Clairborne, director of the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services. “This is our third season collaborating with Cornell’s Veterans Law Practicum. Word is spreading about this free assistance; last spring, a military-connected couple traveled from two counties away to attend. We hope to continue growing this partnership and offering more clinics.”

The clinic can help veterans with a range of civil legal matters, including military discharge status, consumer protection and debt collection, housing-related issues, living wills and powers of attorney, benefits or claims involving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Social Security Administration.

“The legal issues faced by veterans and present/former service members are often complex and private legal counsel for such matters may be hard to find and prohibitively expensive,” said Tompkins County Attorney Maury Josephson. “This clinic provides a great opportunity for Veterans and service members to proactively address their legal concerns and hopefully avoid future stress and worry.”

The clinic cannot provide advice on criminal matters. Participants should bring copies of documents relevant to their legal concerns. After meeting with participants and researching their questions, the legal teams will provide advice through a follow-up letter or phone call.

“A legal concern can be difficult to navigate, especially when someone is unsure where to begin or what options are available,” said James Hardwick, director of the Veterans Law Practicum and adjunct professor of law at Cornell Law School. “This clinic allows veterans to explain their concerns, have relevant documents reviewed, and receive advice informed by careful research.”

To register, complete an intake form, or request more information, contact J.R. Clairborne at 607-274-5920 or veteran@tompkins-co.org.