The Missouri Attorney General’s Office DEFENDERS Program (previously known as the Military Legal Assistance Team) exists to defend those who defend our country and the freedoms that we enjoy. The DEFENDERS Program works to aid active duty servicemembers and military on several different legal issues pro bono, combat predatory businesses practices that target servicemembers, provide education on consumer protection issues facing active duty military, and more.
The men and women who defend America deserve a legal advocate – the DEFENDERS Program seeks to fill that void.
ABOUT
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office DEFENDERS Program, which seeks to enhance the readiness of eligible Missouri military personnel by addressing qualifying legal issues that will be adjudicated within the State of Missouri and cannot be resolved by JAG attorneys.
DEFENDERS SERVICES
The Defenders offers the following services:
- Referrals to pro bono attorneys for representation of claims brought under the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Combats predatory business practices targeting Missouri’s military communities.
- Educational presentations on military consumer protection issues, civil legal protections for servicemembers and DEFENDERS services that are available to eligible servicemembers upon request.
- Legal representation for National Guard personnel with certain employment claims arising as a result of State Emergency Duty.
- For veterans, free estate planning workshops are conducted throughout the state.
ELIGIBILITY FOR DEFENDERS SERVICES
To be eligible for DEFENDERS services, you must be:
- A servicemember on active, reserve, or National Guard duty, stationed within the State of Missouri, or;
- A Missouri resident servicemember stationed outside of the State of Missouri;
- And have a legal issue with jurisdiction and venue in the State of Missouri.
- Members of the inactive reserves (IRR) are not eligible for DEFENDERS services.