The mission of SERV is threefold. 

1.     Networking and Support

We provide a natural point of contact for veteran students. We help new students with veteran-specific administrative issues (such as the GI Bill). And we arrange networking events connecting veteran students with law firms and government employers throughout New York City, as well as with other law schools and veteran attorneys. For the 2021-2022 school year, we have held veteran networking events with top law firms such as Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

2.     Legal Advocacy and Representation

We are currently running the NYU Veterans Legal Services Project (VLSP), which was formed in order to help provide pro bono legal services on behalf of New York veterans that are largely left behind after exiting military service. We provide the NYU VLSP with NYU Law students, who in the course of doing their work can meet the NY Bar’s pro bono requirement by helping to litigate complex VA claims before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

3.     Educational Initiatives

We engage in educational advocacy. We strive to increase access to law school to veterans by helping provide prospective students with information and advice. We also address issues of concern with the university administration on behalf of veteran students and we work to better educate them on the specific challenges facing veteran students and how the university can take steps to help.