Founders Matt Sardo ’23, Blaine Manire ’23, and Tyler Baylis ’22, all military Veterans, established the Legal Obstacles Veterans Encounter group to support and give back to the large Veteran community in the Bay Area. (Photo: Berkeley Law)
On February 28, Legal Obstacles Veterans Encounter, L.O.V.E., a student-initiated legal services project, SLP, at Berkeley Law, will host a free VA Benefits and Discharge Upgrade Clinic. The event, supervised by Swords to Plowshares, a Veterans legal nonprofit, will provide much-needed legal assistance to Veterans in Northern California and the Bay Area.
The clinic takes place at Berkeley Law School and is open to all Veterans in the region, offering support for VA benefits claims and discharge upgrades.
L.O.V.E. is dedicated to addressing systemic legal challenges within the Veteran community. Through direct client work, community networking, and policy advocacy, the organization strives to help Veterans access critical healthcare and compensation benefits. In partnership with Swords to Plowshares, a nonprofit supporting nearly 3,000 at-risk Veterans annually, L.O.V.E. members provide legal aid to Veterans navigating the often complex processes of securing their earned benefits.
“Too often, our Veterans face a new battle when returning to civilian life, fighting for the benefits they earned,” said Neil Gallagher, a Marine Corps Veteran and JD candidate at UC Berkeley. “Many Veterans are unaware of the benefits they are entitled to and find themselves navigating complex administrative barriers alone. By helping these men and women, often when they are at their lowest, we are able to serve those who have given us so much.”
Through monthly in-person clinics during the academic year, L.O.V.E. provides Veterans with access to expert legal assistance. Members also conduct phone screenings and intakes for Veterans seeking legal aid through Swords to Plowshares. The partnership allows law students to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts Veterans’ lives.
“Too many Veterans are denied the healthcare and benefits they rightfully earned, often due to administrative mistakes or outdated policies,” Gallagher added. “At L.O.V.E., we fight to correct these injustices by helping Veterans access VA healthcare and pursue discharge upgrades.”
The work of L.O.V.E. is made possible by the dedication of both law students and supervising attorneys. The event on February 28 is an opportunity for Berkeley Law students, many of whom are Veterans themselves, to give back to their community.
“We get a great sense of pride in helping to care for our own,” said Gallagher.
A.J. Shattuck, a U.S. Army Veteran and JD candidate at Berkeley Law, emphasized the importance of this program: “Every Veteran’s story is different, but the barriers they face in accessing care are all too common. Through Legal Obstacles Veterans Encounter, L.O.V.E., and our partnership with Swords to Plowshares, we make a tangible difference—helping Veterans regain access to healthcare, housing support, and the dignity they deserve. This work isn’t just about legal advocacy; it’s about restoring honor and justice.”
Veterans interested in attending the clinic or seeking legal assistance can contact L.O.V.E. via email at love_slp@berkeley.edu or by calling (510) 859-8891.
Veterans should exercise caution when sharing sensitive information. Veterans can also seek assistance from the VA and VSOs like The American Legion.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
