On November 9, 2021, Law360 published an article, “BigLaw Attorneys Take on VA Roadbloacks to Help Fellow Veterans,”  highlighting the complexities many veterans face in accessing benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Wilson Sonsini associate John Casey, a former Air Force officer, is featured as one of a handful of military veterans turned corporate attorneys who are leveraging their military experience and legal know-how to take on pro bono cases helping their fellow service members.

"There's no one at the VA out to get veterans, it's just that there's so much bureaucracy, so much stuff that can get lost in the shuffle, and it takes forever to get through the processes," John says. "When you understand that from the inside, it's helpful when you're trying to correct it on the outside."

According to John, recent pro bono wins at Wilson Sonsini involving veterans benefits appeals are “a testament to the need among veterans for pro bono legal help to push back against obstacles at the VA that prevent them from accessing monetary and medical benefits.” During summer 2021, Wilson Sonsini took on eight pro bono cases that involved veterans benefits appeals, and John was among the attorneys working on those cases. The firm has won five of the cases, and three are in progress. The cases were led by John’s colleague, Army veteran and firm associate, John Lynch.

A copy of the full article can be found here.