The Veterans Consortium has recognized Desmarais LLP for its commitment to pro bono work, naming the firm a VIP (Volunteer Inspiring Pro Bono) for July 2020.
Since 2010, Desmarais LLP has worked with The Veterans Consortium – which provides no-cost legal services to veterans – and been part of its National Volunteer Corps. During that time, Desmarais LLP has achieved favorable outcomes in 100% of its cases representing the organization before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
“We are very grateful that the Desmarais attorneys have chosen to ‘go the extra mile’ for their clients, and it is for this reason that we are pleased to recognize the firm of Desmarais LLP and their attorneys as our July TVC Volunteers Inspiring Pro Bono (VIPs),” The Veterans Consortium said in its announcement.
Desmarais LLP is a strong supporter of pro bono work and honors attorneys who perform 50 or more pro bono hours during a calendar year. In 2019, the firm spent more than 1,400 pro bono hours working with The Veterans Consortium in its representation of former service members.
The Veterans Consortium specifically highlighted Desmarais LLP associates Raymond Habbaz and Tom Derbish for their efforts to help veterans secure previously denied benefits. In one case, Habbaz represented a U.S. Army and U.S. Navy veteran whose time aboard the USS Eisenhower resulted in hearing loss and tinnitus. Habbaz took the case before the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) and won, resulting in the veteran receiving a lump sum payout and monthly stipend.
“[T]he call to the veteran after we won at the BVA felt wonderful. He was so grateful that the issue was finally resolved and that he would see a check in the mail with his benefits,” Habbaz said.
Derbish, meanwhile, has been working to secure back-owed VA benefits for a U.S. Army veteran who had applied repeatedly but was denied prior to 2009. The case is ongoing before the BVA.
“A big part of what makes this work so enjoyable is the chance to get to know our clients and to see first-hand how much of an impact our work can have,” Derbish said.
Read The Veterans Consortium announcement
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