The Cumberland Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic (C-VETS) at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law has become a vital resource for Alabama’s Veterans and their families, providing free legal assistance across the state.

Established in 2020, C-VETS offers support for Veterans facing legal challenges in areas such as estate planning, landlord-tenant disputes, consumer debt, and uncontested family law issues. The clinic also addresses criminal matters like expungements, driver’s license issues, and fines.

Kevin Patton, Director of C-VETS, supervises the second- and third-year Cumberland law students who participate in the program as a course elective. The students gain hands-on legal experience, dedicating themselves to serving those who have served the nation.

Judge John Carroll, a Marine Corps Veteran and former federal judge who once led Cumberland School of Law as its Dean, founded the C-VETS clinic to address Veterans’ specific legal needs. He recruited Patton, a Navy Veteran, to work with him in 2023. When Judge Carroll passed away last summer, Patton took over the program.

“Judge Carroll had a deep commitment to Veterans and saw the challenges they faced in finding legal representation,” explains Patton. “He recognized that many Veterans needed legal assistance but couldn’t engage private attorneys. The clinic was his vision, and his legacy lives on through the work we do.”

Patton and Judge Carroll actually flew the same type of airplane during their military service, the A-6 Intruder. Judge Carroll flew the plane in Vietnam while Patton flew during his service in the Gulf War.

Patton also shares Carroll’s commitment to helping Veterans navigate the legal system. “We serve those who often don’t qualify for other pro bono programs but still struggle to afford legal help. These are Veterans who served our country and now need support navigating their own challenges,” Patton shares.

Many clients are referred to C-VETS by Veterans Service Organizations, and the clinic works with the Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, Legal Services Alabama, and other pro bono programs throughout the state to ensure that Veterans receive continuous assistance.

Supporting Veterans through Dedicated Student Advocates

Each semester, a team of eight to ten law students volunteer as advocates, assisting Veterans across a spectrum of legal issues. They work directly with clients, either on-site at Cumberland or through VA hospital or home visits for those with mobility or health challenges.

These students play an active role in legal resolutions—from guiding clients through estate planning to negotiating in landlord-tenant disputes. If cases require litigation, C-VETS coordinates with local attorneys or pro bono organizations to continue representation.

Beyond legal services, the students become a bridge of empathy and respect for their clients. “Our student advocates are remarkable problem solvers, often helping Veterans who are in the midst of crisis situations,” Patton said. “A small issue—like a fine or a suspended license—can stand between a Veteran and their stability. Our students are here to help Veterans clear those hurdles so they can bounce back.”

Alabama Law Foundation: Funding for Service

The C-VETS program receives support from the Alabama Law Foundation through its grants program. The grant helps enable the clinic to serve hundreds of Veterans each year across Alabama, many of whom would otherwise lack access to legal support.

The Alabama Law Foundation provides grants to programs that extend legal services to those in need, bridging gaps in access to justice. These funds allow programs like C-VETS to operate at a high level of service, making legal assistance accessible to a greater number of Alabamians.

Transformative Impact for Students and Veterans Alike

The Cumberland Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic is as transformative for the students as it is for the clients. Student advocates not only gain real-world experience but also develop a deep respect for the clients they serve.

“Participating in C-VETS often leaves a lasting impact on these future attorneys, many of whom continue pro bono work or pursue military law careers as Judge Advocates (JAGs) after graduation,” Patton notes.

Comments students have made about their time in the C-VETS program include:

“The greatest benefit I have received from working with C-VETS is an increased level of empathy for people. It can be easy to forget how hard life can be for some people and working with our veteran clients reminds me that someone down on their luck can be just one good result away from everything turning around.” Zane Mitchell, 3L, Franklin, GA.

“It’s been great to function as a real law firm does by doing our own work and then coming together in a weekly huddle to share our experiences with our clients and cases and to weigh in on the legal matters that others are working on. Serving in the C-VETS clinic has been an immensely impactful experience that will likely shape the way I operate in my legal career for the rest of my life.” Daniel Bishop, 2L, U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

For Veterans, the clinic is a lifeline. “Life is hard. These Veterans served our country, and some have hit bumps in the road— we see PTSD, mental health issues, or difficult family situations,” says Patton. “Sometimes, all it takes is a little legal help to remove the barrier that’s keeping them from moving forward.”

It’s a powerful connection that often brings Veterans back to the clinic after their cases are resolved—to support student advocates, celebrate their graduations, and share in the successes of those who have become like family.

For more information on C-VETS, call 205-726-4735 or visit samford.edu/cumberlandlaw/c-vets.