Two New Jersey State Senators are crafting legislation in Trenton that would be able to help military service members and veterans by offering them free legal representation regarding civil issues.

Senator Robert Singer (R-30) and Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) announced that their legislation, S-1388, which would create a Military Pro Bono Program in the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, was advanced by the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“There are thousands of New Jersey residents serving in the armed forces on active duty or as reserves,” Singer said in a written statement. “Many will be returning home after deployments overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere. Some may have been adversely affected by or during deployment and may require legal help or guidance to re-establish their lives back home. For all they have given up on our behalf, they deserve some help."

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Attorneys would volunteer to represent military service members and veterans, who qualify for the program, in civil law actions, the Senators said, including family, immigration, employment, debtor-creditor, estate planning, and military administrative law.

“Veterans and their family members make significant sacrifices in service of our nation and defense of our freedom,” Senator Bucco said in a written statement. “By establishing a program that will provide them with no-cost legal help, it will ease their stress and financial burdens and serve as a reminder of our appreciation of their commitment. This consideration has been hard-earned and well-deserved.”

Senators Singer and Bucco added that this new program follows the Military Legal Assistance Program, which the New Jersey State Bar Association oversees.

Honoring our Military and Veterans

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