ABA Law Practice Today interviewed Finnegan attorneys Elizabeth Ferrill and Kaitlyn Pehrson to discuss Finnegan’s efforts in helping veterans, particularly during the pandemic. The firm partnered with the National Veteran’s Legal Services Program (NVLSP) to assist with some of the challenges caused by COVID-19. Beth said, “Due to the pandemic, Finnegan delayed the start date for our first-year associates, but we still wanted them to continue their development as attorneys in the interim. We were so excited that our long-standing partner, NVLSP, was able to offer a number of the associates internships.”
Kaitlyn, an associate who participated in the program, helped NVLSP screen discharge upgrade cases for pro bono placement. She said, “I found it very rewarding helping veterans who were unfairly given a discharge with a character of service other than ’Honorable,’ often for reasons tied to mental health struggles. Putting together the pieces of the veterans’ military service and life after discharge to make the strongest case possible helped me hone my legal skills.”
