O'Melveny's 2018-2019 Pro Bono Review

O’MELVENY PRO BONO PROGRAM REVIEW 2018- 2019 17 Securing a Settlement for a Homeless Veteran O’Melveny represented a formerly homeless Vietnam veteran in a lawsuit against the City of New York. He had been held in solitary confinement at Riker’s Island for nine days, deprived of necessary psychiatric medication. The result of the case, which had been referred to the firm by the New York Legal Assistance Group, was a favorable settlement for the client after protracted and difficult negotiations. Teaming Up With Our Clients at Clinics for Veterans O’Melveny joined with lawyers from Chubb, a leading global insurer and client of O’Melveny’s, and the City Bar Justice Center to assist veterans in filing claims and appeals with the Veterans’ Administration. O’Melveny also collaborated with lawyers from Kaiser Permanente Health Plan to offer free legal services to veterans at a clinic run by Swords to Plowshares, a legal services nonprofit organization, in Oakland. Veterans’ Rights O’Melveny assists military veterans in securing the benefits to which their courageous service entitles them. The majority of veterans who appeal the denial of their benefits do not have representation, putting them at a severe, almost insurmountable, disadvantage when litigating their claims. Those who have already made a great sacrifice for our country should not have to make another. The lawyers helped veterans navigate their benefits claims and military discharge upgrade requests. Obtaining a discharge upgrade is critical to receiving much-needed benefits. Showing Gratitude to Our Troops Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that has delivered more than 2.3 million care packages to troops, first responders, veterans, wounded heroes, caregivers, and military families. O’Melveny has provided employment- law counsel to the organization since before its first hire a decade ago. “O’Melveny’s Every year, roughly 90% of our US-based lawyers participate in pro bono projects, with each typically devoting an average of 104 hours to pro bono matters.