Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin welcomes Katie Binkley, Deputy Executive Director at the Veterans Legal Institute in Tustin, California. The nonprofit organization provides pro bono legal services to veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists who might otherwise lack access to legal assistance.

Katie discusses how her passion for community service led her to a career dedicated to helping veterans navigate legal barriers, including discharge status issues and access to benefits. She explains how financial limitations and lack of awareness often prevent veterans from obtaining legal help, and how organizations like Veterans Legal Institute work to bridge that gap.

She also shares a story about a veteran who received an “other than honorable” discharge following combat-related trauma. Through the advocacy of a volunteer attorney working with the institute, the veteran successfully obtained an upgraded discharge and regained access to the benefits he had earned through his service.

Topics covered:

- Pro bono legal services for veterans

- Discharge status upgrades and veterans' benefits

- Barriers veterans face in accessing legal help

- The role of volunteer attorneys in expanding access to justice

- Why lawyers should use their skills to serve their communities

Connect with Katie Binkley:

Website: vetslegal.org

Phone: (714) 852-3492