Stetson University College of Law announces the grand opening of its expanded Veterans Law Institute, designed entirely as a veteran-friendly facility housing the Veterans Advocacy Clinic. The ribbon-cutting for the new facility will take place at 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, on Stetson’s Gulfport campus, at 1401 61st St. S.

Chief Judge Robert Davis and Judge Michael Allen of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Judge Raphael Steinhardt J.D. ’63, and Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D., will speak immediately following the ribbon-cutting. Stetson Law Interim Dean and Professor of Law Kristen Adams will introduce the program.

Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute includes the Veterans Advocacy Clinic, providing free legal assistance for veterans whose disability compensation claims were denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To date, Stetson has helped veterans recover more than $14 million in back and future payments. The new facility at Stetson Law will accommodate more students serving veterans in the community.

“Creating an environment where veterans, both clients and law students, suffering from the wounds of war can participate in the Veterans Law Institute to their full potential is the primary purpose of this space,” said Veterans Law Institute director, Professor Stacey-Rae Simcox. Professor Simcox also serves as the newly elected president of the National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium, which helps law schools around the country launch new clinics by offering guidance and technical assistance.

Professor Simcox explained that typical fluorescent lighting fixtures can trigger traumatic brain injury symptoms like severe headaches, and the new space was designed with special lighting for veteran clients.

“Paying attention to the details, like lighting, sound, and environment makes this new space an inviting one that takes into account the wellness of all of our students, veteran and non-veteran alike. It also provides a place where our clients feel safe and secure.”

The opening of the Veterans Law Institute will coincide with the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims convening to hear oral arguments on Stetson Law’s Gulfport campus in the Great Hall on Monday, Oct. 29, at 12 p.m., and at Stetson’s Tampa Law Center on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 12 p.m.

Visit stetson.edu/law/vliopening for more information.