Veterans Legal Institute
Allison Higley is an experienced legal professional currently serving as an Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow at Veterans Legal Institute since November 2015. In this role, Allison provides essential legal services, including expungements, discharge upgrades, and housing assistance, aimed at removing barriers to employment for veterans. Prior experience includes working as a Staff Attorney, where client representation and case preparation were key responsibilities, and an internship at a Special Education Law Firm, focusing on claims for students’ rights. Additional roles include positions as a Certified Law Clerk at the Orange County District Attorney's Office and as a JAG Intern for the California Army National Guard. Allison holds a Doctor of Law degree from Whittier Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/International Relations from UC San Diego.
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Veterans Legal Institute
A public interest law firm utilizing a pro bono model, the Veterans Legal Institute is a new nonprofit unique in its veteran-centered nature that provides free legal services to former and active service members. There is a tremendous gap in legal services for low income, homeless and at risk veterans. VLI seeks to fill that gap and remove barriers to housing, healthcare, education and employment. Having an attorney advocate for benefits for a former service member who suffers from the wounds of PTSD, sexual assault, traumatic brain injury, or mental illness can be life changing both psychologically and economically. Further, VLI is excited to advocate on behalf of veterans who were separated from the military due to their PTSD. With recent information from the Department of Defense indicating that PTSD should be considered in upgrade cases, VLI attorneys will be sure to zealously advocate to ensure that former service members receive the benefits they deserve. The list doesn’t end there- our clients need assistance with estate planning, landlord-tenant, expungements, family law and more. We are actively growing our pro bono attorney and volunteer database to address these needs.