According to Schuyler County Veterans Services Director Jason Gilliland, the event will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Schuyler County Human Services Building, Montour Falls, New York.
The event is intended to offer legal advice to veterans and service members on a variety of issues, including veterans’ benefits, discharge upgrades, eviction prevention, family law and estate planning, as well as benefits claims with the VA or Social Security Administration, Gilliland explained. The clinic is not able to provide advice on any criminal matters, he noted. Law students and a supervising attorney will provide the legal assistance, he said. Participants are encouraged to bring photocopies of relevant documents.
Said Gilliland: “The impact of having an attorney present onsite is incredible, especially when veterans apply for benefits or an upgrade in their military discharge. Studies show veterans are much more successful in claims for VA benefits when they have an attorney helping them.”
According to Getman, the county strongly encourages veterans to sign up in advance so they can secure a spot, though walk-in appointments will also be available. Information that will be helpful to receive during registration includes a short description of the issue, location and date of any pending hearings or deadlines, and names of any opposing parties.
Said Getman: “In a rural county like Schuyler, ensuring that veterans and current and former service members can access the legal guidance they need is especially important. Legal challenges can be difficult to navigate, and the cost of hiring private counsel can put meaningful assistance out of reach for many. This clinic offers an important opportunity for those who have served our country to get answers, address concerns before they become more difficult to resolve, and move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.”
Hardwick said that the clinic can offer 8 slots during the event. The clinic will be staffed with at least two law students plus a supervising attorney. Most advice will not be given on the date of the clinic but will come in a follow-up advice letter after the students do any necessary research into the issue, he explained.
Said Hardwick: “We are happy to review any civil matters or claims veterans might have with state and federal agencies. We are grateful for the opportunity for our students to work with local veterans. The students will witness first-hand our obligation as lawyers to leverage our legal training in the service of others, especially for those who served our country.”
Veterans and service members seeking assistance at the event may contact the county veterans’ services agency at (607) 535-2091 or sign up in person at 323 Owego Street, Montour Falls NY 14865. Interested veterans and service members may also email: JGilliland@schuylercountyny.gov.
In addition, veterans who are unable to attend the clinic may be able to obtain legal support by calling the Cornell Law School Veterans Law Practicum hotline at (607) 307-5116.
Schuyler County and the law school hope to continue hosting legal assistance events for veterans and service members, County Administrator Shawn Rosno said.
Said Rosno: “Schuyler County’s support for our veterans remains steadfast. I commend our veterans director and county attorney for initiating and continuing this important program, and I extend our appreciation to Cornell Law School for its ongoing partnership with our community.”
The Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency assists Schuyler County veterans and members of the armed forces as well as their dependents and survivors through the pursuance of veterans benefits at the County, State and Federal levels and referrals to other agencies for possible assistance. This is done to promote better physical and mental health, improve quality of life and to ensure every veteran or dependent receives the benefits to which they are entitled.
The Schuyler County Attorney is the civil legal advisor to the county legislature and other county agencies, including the local veterans service agency. The county attorney prosecutes and defends civil actions on behalf of the county, in Family Court, Surrogates Court and New York State Supreme Court.
In Cornell Law School’s Veterans Law Practicum, students provide information, legal advice, and representation to veterans seeking legal assistance. Students work on cases, including to secure service-connected disability compensation, discharge upgrades, overpayment issues, and other related claims. In 2023, Cornell was one of three law schools nationwide to receive a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide legal services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
