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Governor’s GI LAW

Service members in need of legal assistance beyond their normal chain of command assistance are covered in most cases thanks to the Governor’s GI Law.

The Governor’s Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GI LAW)

The GI LAW offers legal representation in civil cases to help reduce the burden that some veterans and service members may face.

b. Governor DeSantis is committed to ensuring our service-members have the support of the state’s legal community and its best legal minds. To achieve this goal, GI LAW will draw from the talent of Florida’s leading law firms to provide pro bono services for military members. Through this initiative, our state’s men and women in uniform will receive local counsel in a variety of civil matters, including actions in local courts. Participating attorneys will dedicate time and expertise to ensure a prompt and fair resolution of legal matters. This program is a collaboration between the Governor, the Department of Military Affairs, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and FloridaCommerce.

GI LAW Legal Assistance Request Forms must be submitted through the appropriate Judge Advocate General or civilian military attorney’s office. Request forms are not accepted directly from service members. The GI LAW program offers active-duty Florida-based US military service members access to pro bono (free of charge) legal services in civil cases. GI LAW services are focused on military enlisted ranks up to E-7. The GI LAW program does not provide access to legal services for a) criminal, b) family law, or c) UCMJ cases. The GI LAW program acts as a clearing house only and does not assign cases to firms or attorneys. The GI LAW program does not provide legal services itself.

Process
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Process

GI LAW Legal Assistance Request Forms must be submitted through the appropriate Judge Advocate General or civilian military attorney’s office. Request forms are not accepted directly from service members.

Eligibility
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Eligibility

The GI LAW program offers Florida-based US military service members access to pro bono (free of charge) legal services in civil cases. GI LAW services are focused on military enlisted ranks up to E-7.

Exclusions
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Exclusions

The GI LAW program does not provide access to legal services for a) criminal, b) family law, or c) UCMJ cases. The GI LAW program acts as a clearing house only and does not assign cases to firms or attorneys. The GI LAW program does not provide legal services itself.

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Contact us. We’re here to help.

Vicki Goonen FRP, Senior Paralegal, Agency Clerk 727-518-3202 ex 5639 Andrew Benard, General Counsel 850-782-4303 Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Office of General Counsel Vicki.Goonen@fdva.fl.gov
agency.clerk@fdva.fl.gov
Andrew.Benard@fdva.fl.gov
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