NW VETERANS LAW - Key Persons
Janet enlisted in the Army in 2011 as a 92R, Parachute Rigger. After completing basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., Janet attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA.
Jason enlisted as an 11B in July 2010 and was stationed at Ft. Wainwright, AK before deploying to the Panjwai District of Afghanistan with A Co 3-21 IN Bn in 2011. He served as 3rd Plt RTO, SAW gunner and Stryker VC, earning his CIB on 26 May 2011. After graduating college summa cum laude with two BA's he enrolled in law school and began working with NWVL in May 2020..
Mark enlisted in the Army Infantry in 1988 and served as an 11B until 1991 when he was commissioned into the Field Artillery branch. He served as a Judge Advocate from 1997 to 2013.
Biography
Mark enlisted in the Army Infantry in 1988 and served as an 11B until 1991 when he was commissioned into the Field Artillery branch. After six years as a red leg, Mark was accepted into the Army JAG Corps. He served as a Judge Advocate from 1997 through his retirement in 2013, serving Soldiers and Commanders from the Company to Division levels.
After 24 years of military service, Mark retired from the Army and founded NWVL to represent Veterans in VA and Family Law matters. He hired other veterans to work as attorneys and staff. He built a team that understands the unique experiences and sacrifices of veterans and who is passionate about protecting the rights of veterans against the VA, during divorce and in custody battles.
Mark has worked tirelessly to elevate the legal status of veterans in Oregon. He has testified before the Oregon Legislature, partnered with the Oregon Department of Justice and Oregon State Bar to form the OSB Military Assistance Panel, and served in the Oregon State Bar's Military and Veterans Law Section since 2014 with two terms as the MVLS Chairman. He is a member of the National Organization of Veteran Advocates and was a contributing author to Veterans, Military Servicemembers, and the Law (2018).
Biography
Michael enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1999 and served as a 38A, Civil Affairs Specialist, until 2008 when he was commissioned into the Adjutant General branch. After four years as a Personnel Officer, Michael was re-branched into the Army Military Intelligence Corps. He served as an Open Source Intelligence Analyst from 2012 through his retirement in 2020, serving Soldiers and Commanders from the Company to Brigade levels.
Michael leads our VA Appeals Section. Michael joined NWVL to fight for Veterans battling the VA for recognition of their service-connected injuries.
Michael focuses his practice on VA disability denials, representing Veterans from the local Regional Office level to the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C. He is dedicated to working with local and national organizations to stay on top of the ever-changing VA rules and regulations. Michael's VA focus and participation in national trainings has helped him to develop the arguments, understandings and expertise necessary to overcome the VA bureaucracy and turn a denial into an award of benefits.