The GW Law National Security, Cybersecurity, & Foreign Relations Law Program along with the Veteran Law Students Association (VLSA), hosted the "Careers in Veterans Law" panel, which included several distinguished panelists. Panelists included Linda Blauhut, JD '93, Deputy General for Paralyzed Veterans of America; Colonel (Ret.) Greg Block, Clerk of the Court for the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; Shereen Marcus, JD '03, Veterans Law Judge for the Board of Veterans' Appeals; Renee Reasoner, JD '17, Senior Law Partner at Bergman & Moore, LLC; and Kenneth Walsh, Deputy Chief Counsel for the VA OGC Court of Appeals Litigation Group.
The panel offered an opportunity for GW Law student veterans and students interested in Veterans Law practice to learn more about Veterans Law and its numerous career opportunities. GW Law student veteran and VLSA member Jessie DeJesus emceed the event and asked an array of questions about Veterans Law ranging from the field's mechanics to its unique qualities.
The discussion began with an overview of the Veterans Law appellate landscape, which enabled students to understand how claims are filed, litigated, and appealed. Additionally, because the panelists represented both sides of the appellate landscape, all panelists offered insight into their unique roles in the claims process.
After the panelists explained the mechanics of Veterans Law, they offered their perspectives on what makes it a unique, complex, and rewarding field. Each panelist's perspective was slightly different, but several common themes stood out. First, all panelists agreed that Veterans Law, while still adversarial, is congenial and distinctly cooperative because its practitioners all care deeply for the veteran population. Second, Veterans Law is a constantly evolving field that presents unique and exciting legal challenges every day. Third, prior government or military experience is not necessary, but those who have served will feel comfortable in Veteran Law's familiar team-centric, service-orientated environment.
Finally, the panelists emphasized that Veterans Law is an expanding field boasting numerous job openings and is seeking qualified applicants right now. They encouraged students who are interested in Veterans Law to do their research and apply for internships immediately.
At the conclusion of the panel's former portion, student attendees also asked questions and personally met the panelists. This successful event emphasizes GW Law's National Security, Cybersecurity, & Foreign Relation Law Program's dedication to supporting students with an interest in all facets of national security law, including Veterans Law.