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Veterans Law in a Virtual Age

Highlighting New Policy Developments and Continuing Progress in Therapeutic and Restorative Justice

May 1, 2020

9:00 am - 1:00 p.m. (est)

This fully online conference has something for everyone interested in veterans law and policy! It will thoroughly explain how to comply with major policy changes in the appeals process over the last year, and also explore the expanding role of therapeutic and restorative justice pertaining to our nation’s heroes, including:

  • Discussion of the differences between legacy appeals and the new appeal procedures
  • Developments in therapeutic justice and restorative practices, as originated in the Buffalo Veterans Court
CLE: Attorneys who attend may receive 4.0 NYS CLE credits in the area of Professional Practice (transitional or non-transitional credit).

Co-sponsored by the New York State Division of Veterans' Services and the University at Buffalo School of Law, this conference offers valuable insights, strategies, connections, and inspirations for lawyers and non-lawyers alike, allowing us all to better serve the people who served our nation.

Agenda / List of Panels and Speakers

Welcome/ Introduction/ Outline of the Event: 9:00 a.m.

  • Benjamin Pomerance, Deputy Director, New York State Division of Veterans’ Services

Appealing VA Claims in 2020: Policy Change Presentation: 9:10 - 11:00 a.m.

  • Anthony J. Kuhn '15, Esq., Master Sergeant and the NCOIC of a Battalion Training and Operations section in the Army Reserve, Managing Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, and Co-Director Veterans Legal Practicum, UB School of Law
Q&A: 11:00 - 11:10 a.m.

Therapeutic Justice and Restorative Practices: From Then to Now: 11:10 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.

  • Hon. Robert T. Russell -  Associate Judge for Buffalo City Court, presides over the nation’s first “Veterans’ Treatment Court.”
  • Kristine A. Huskey, Esq. - Visiting Professor and Director, Veterans Advocacy Project, University of Denver Sturm College of Law - “The Convergence of Veterans Treatment Courts and Restorative Justice - A New Hope”
  • Kim Diana Connolly - Professor, Vice Dean for Experiential Learning and Co-Director, Veterans Legal Practicum, UB School of Law - "Opportunities for online restorative practices"

One Team, One Fight: Serving Veteran Families in a Post-COVID-19 Era: 12:40 -1:00 p.m.

  • Col. (Ret.) James McDonough, Jr., Director, New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
  • Benjamin Pomerance, Deputy Director, New York State Division of Veterans’ Services

[Optional] Highlights from Veterans Practicum Student Advocates: 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.

CLE Materials

Helpful Links:

Additional materials will be posted as they become available.