This Veterans Day, New Mexico Legal Aid celebrates the men and women who have served our country by spotlighting the essential work of its Veterans Legal Services. NMLA’s program provides veterans with dedicated legal assistance, helping them overcome legal challenges that might otherwise stand between them and stability. From navigating complex benefits systems to securing housing, the Veterans Legal Services program has made a meaningful impact on veterans’ lives across New Mexico.

The program’s recent leadership transition also adds to its promise of continued excellence. Thomas Prettyman, who previously served as the managing attorney of NMLA’s Albuquerque office and has been with the organization since 2009, took on the role of attorney in the Veterans Legal Services on August 29, 2024.

His knowledge of both the legal landscape and the unique needs of veterans makes him an ideal leader for this vital initiative. Prettyman’s commitment to justice aligns perfectly with NMLA’s mission to support low-income communities, and his vision for the Veterans Legal Services program emphasizes accessibility and comprehensive support.

“Our veterans face unique challenges when it comes to legal issues, and I am honored to lead this program to ensure they receive the assistance they deserve,” Prettyman shares. His commitment to veterans reflects NMLA’s dedication to fostering a sense of justice, support, and respect for those who have served.

Comprehensive Support for Veterans’ Legal Needs

Veterans Legal Services at NMLA provides free legal representation to those who meet the program’s criteria. Veterans facing issues in several key areas can access the program’s assistance:

• Consumer Law: Protecting veterans’ financial well-being by providing guidance on consumer and debt matters.
• Family Law: Offering support with family law issues, including assistance with petitions for domestic violence orders of protection.
• Landlord/Tenant, Housing, and Foreclosure: Addressing housing needs, helping veterans avoid foreclosure, and navigating tenant-landlord disputes.
• Low-Income Tax Filing: Assisting veterans in filing taxes, a crucial service for those on limited incomes.

In the near future, the program will additionally provide services with:

• Veterans Benefits: Navigating the complexities of benefits systems to ensure veterans receive their rightful support.
• Military Discharge Upgrades and Records Corrections: Helping veterans correct or upgrade discharge records, which can impact their eligibility for benefits.

The program, however, does not cover criminal or fee-generating cases, such as personal injury or class action lawsuits. Veterans interested in applying for assistance can contact NMLA’s veteran unit by phone at 505-814-6719 or via email at veterans@nmlegalaid.org​.

Building a Network of Support with Community Partnerships

Veterans Legal Services is further strengthened by its collaboration with other organizations. Working with partners like the Veterans Integration Center (VIC) and Goodwill, NMLA extends its reach to support veterans across New Mexico. This network offers veterans a continuum of support, helping them find housing, employment, and health resources in addition to legal assistance.

These partnerships are more than just alliances; they are lifelines that help veterans regain stability and confidence. Each case represents a unique journey, and NMLA’s commitment to each veteran ensures they receive the highest level of care and attention.

This Veterans Day, as we honor the courage of our servicemen and women, NMLA stands firm in its dedication to veterans through its mission to serve, protect, and advocate.