Associate Dean Anthony Niedwiecki explains to the audience how John Marshall is using its $3.2 million grant for the Veterans Legal Support Center and Clinic. He was introduced by Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn (left) who announced 27 grants to higher education institutions at a July 31 press conference.
Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn presented The John Marshall Law School with a $3.2 million grant that is helping cover costs for the law school’s Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (VLSC) state-of-the-art facility.
The funding helped with the purchase of 19 W. Jackson Blvd., a three-story building at the corner of Jackson and Plymouth Court, and for its restoration and redesign from storefronts into a clinic space for the VLSC.
“As Chicago’s practice ready law school, The John Marshall Law School has a commitment to our students, our alumni and indeed the city of Chicago,” said John Marshall’s dean, John E. Corkery. “With this grant, we have enhanced the learning opportunity for our students, restored an historic building on West Jackson, increased the level of service to veterans in the Chicago area, and established a gateway to Chicago’s education corridor.”
The award, announced at a press conference on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, brought together representatives of private schools in the Chicago area whose projects were approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The funding was distributed through the Independent Colleges Capital Program (ICCAP) created in 2009 as part of the capital program called Illinois Jobs Now! funding for ICCAP projects came through the sale of Build Illinois bonds.
John Marshall’s $3.2 million grant will be distributed over time. The law school earlier received $1.5 million, and has now received an additional payment of $928,000.
The law school purchased the three-story building at 19 W. Jackson Blvd. with the intention of moving the VLSC into that space. The VLSC, organized in 2006, is a national leader in serving veterans on all aspects of Veterans Benefits Administration claims from the initial, factual intake to the technical representation of claims at the appellate level.
Students moved into the space in May 2013, and an official ribbon-cutting is set for Sept. 26, 2013. The 5,300 square feet of space gives veterans first-floor access to the VLSC and provides a specially designed space that is meant to help meet the needs of veterans. The openness reduces small spaces, uses soothing colors and makes the clinic easily accessible for handicapped veterans.
“I extend my thanks to the governor and the members of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. This grant made a significant impact on our project at 19 W. Jackson,” Corkery added. “This funding supported our efforts in the creation of our state-of-the-art facility that provide community outreach and legal services to veterans in the greater Chicagoland community while providing our students with hands on, practical experience.”