On Monday, February 10, 2025, Stetson Law hosted an oral argument for the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Consisting of Chief Judge Michael Allen (a former Stetson Law professor and Stetson Veterans Law Institute director), Judge Margret Bartley, and Judge Grant Jaquith, the panel heard argument in the case of a veteran appealing a decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Though based in Washington, DC, the court is authorized to meet anywhere in the U.S. throughout the year. The February 10 oral argument took place in the Great Hall with support from Stetson’s Veterans Law Institute (VLI).
VLI leadership saw the proceeding as an opportunity to invite students to witness veterans law unfolding in a live setting.
“It was an honor to help facilitate these learning experiences and contribute to the growth of the Veterans Law Institute,” said Morgan MacIsaac-Bykowski, an adjunct professor and associate director of the VLI and Veterans Advocacy Clinic. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such impactful events. Moments like these remind me of why I’m passionate about legal education and the importance of providing students with real-world perspectives.”
After the argument, select students, faculty, and guests of Stetson joined the judges, court staff and attorneys for a luncheon co-sponsored by the VLI, the Federal Bar Association, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Bar Association.
The day’s events were on the heels of a VLI-facilitated weekend course, Veterans Benefits: Law, Practice, and Policy, taught by Zach Stolz and Robert Chisholm of Chisholm, Chisholm, and Kilpatrick, Meg Krahl and Ken Walsh from the VA Office of General Counsel, and Chief Judge Allen.
“I am immensely proud of my colleagues, specifically Director Stacey-Rae Simcox, Assistant Director Johnny Pruiett, and VLI Fellow Mary Samarkos, who pulled this event together flawlessly,” MacIsaac-Bykowski said. “I wish to extend thanks to our guests – the parties on both sides of the aisle and the Court – all of whom traveled during a snowstorm to join us.”
Original source can be found here.