Karen R. Henninger and Michael C. Lancer have been named co-chairs of a New York State Bar Association committee that will identify areas where military personnel need better access to legal services. Ms. Henninger is an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District and a major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Mr. Lancer, a partner with Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham & Coppola in Buffalo, is a former attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s corps.
The committee will look into matters such as whether attorneys are properly qualified to help veterans deal with legal issues, whether more veterans’ courts need to be established in the state and to develop a legal resource guide for veterans. “While there are many lawyers across New York state who want to help, they need more specialized training, particularly in understanding military culture and available federal benefits,” state bar president Vincent E. Doyle III, of Connors & Vilardo of Buffalo, said in a statement. Mr. Doyle named the formation of the Special Committee on Veterans one of the priorities (NYLJ, June 2). The panel will make its recommendations by April, state bar officials said.
