Wayne Edmiston, Jr.’s Post

"I feel like I’m going through law school with one hand tied behind my back.” This is something a fellow classmate eloquently said when describing the experience of being a later-in-life law student with commitments at home—young children, a spouse, and the demands of family. It’s so true. Evening study group? Can’t do it. That cool club after hours that’s supposed to boost your resume? Kids’ after-school activities take priority. Weekend marathon study sessions? Instead, you’re active in your church or spending time with family and fixing things around the house. You’re also surrounded by people saying things like, “If you’re not in the top quarter of your class, you can’t be on law review, which you’ll need if you want to clerk,” or “Employers will only consider you if you have a GPA of X or higher,” and “Man, I spent 30 hours studying for that exam this weekend.” This photo sums it all up. Here I am with my daughter at urgent care at 1 a.m. on a weeknight. I had class the next day, and there was reading I needed to do. My wife had to be at work early that morning. But that night, I just needed to be Daddy. The Marine Corps taught me to be a grinder. However, the Marine Corps taught me that "grinding" can come at great cost to those you love the most. Sometimes you just have to be happy with...good enough. Something that will certainly, for me at least, take some getting used to.

Supreme Court reform has been a hot topic recently. The key question is: how can the institution regain the high public trust it once enjoyed? Often, the answer may be closer than we think—right in the rules governing our own state appellate courts. For example, in my home state of Iowa, one such rule states: “A justice must retire upon reaching the age of 72… The justices elect the chief justice to serve a two-year term at the first meeting in each odd-numbered year.” Could adopting similar rules for the Supreme Court help rebuild confidence in its impartiality and fairness? What other ideas or reforms should be considered? I’d love to hear your thoughts! https://lnkd.in/gkC9EQTb

This is great news! As someone who has written extensively in graduate school about the unique challenges veterans in rural communities face—including those in my home state of Iowa—it’s encouraging to see the VA reconsider its decision. Veterans in rural areas are often older, less familiar with technology, and have limited connectivity. Many rely on family caregivers who may drive hours to take them to appointments. These kiosks provided caregivers a vital tool to submit travel claims on-site, reducing the burden on veterans to complete these tasks at home—where they may not have access to broadband or even a computer. For Vietnam-era veterans, many of whom are in their 70s or older, the only time they have someone with the technological skills to help is when their caregiver accompanies them to appointments. In rural Iowa, that could mean driving up to 80 miles each way. With 4.6 million veterans living in rural America, we must ensure that their challenges are never overlooked.

We are living in a unique time. Veterans, while they are still alive and even still serving, are witnessing museums being built about the wars they fought in. If you haven’t been to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, it is truly a gem. It’s not just a great Marine museum—it’s a great museum, period. However, technology has made these museums so immersive that sometimes, just sometimes, they might bring back unwanted memories or intrusive thoughts for some veterans. These new museums use smells (trust me, some places have a distinctive smell), large dioramas, loud noises, and other sensory elements. I am tired of seeing close friends either go to the brink or worse, cross it. While this may not affect the vast majority of veterans, even if it helps a few, I am all for it. Way to lead the way NMMC. https://lnkd.in/gRWjfiuS

Twenty years ago, when I joined the Marines, if someone had told me that one day we’d have women serving as Scout Sniper Platoon Commanders, I wouldn’t have believed it. Today, it’s a reality—and it’s truly awe-inspiring. This is living proof that, over time, attitudes and organizations can change. I shared this post with my 14-year-old daughter. She thought it was pretty damn cool—and so do I.

There’s a significant gap in the legal community that’s being exploited by grifters—and it’s hurting our veterans. As a law student, I rarely hear anything about veterans’ law, yet it’s an area tailor-made for legal professionals. Assisting veterans with their benefit appeals is not only complex but demands the high ethical standards that attorneys are trained to uphold. In fact, the VA even has a special accreditation process for lawyers who want to serve in this capacity. Despite this, a cottage industry of uncertified “Veteran Benefit Consultants” or what VSOs call “claim sharks” has emerged. These consultants often operate unethically and have a track record of predatory practices. They’ve been sued multiple times for violating the law, engaging in financial kickbacks, and imposing excessive fees and garnishments on vulnerable veterans. These are real and mainstream. I get ads for them on social media constantly as a veteran. Our veterans deserve better. Many would willingly pay a reasonable fee to have qualified legal representation—someone who will advocate for them within the bounds of the law. I know I would. It’s time for the legal community to take a stand, continue to fill this void, and educate veterans on their ability to receive the professional and ethical support they deserve. Also, do more to educate young lawyers and law students about this important field. With the signing of the PACT Act into law, this is a void that is bigger than ever.

Those of us who were on active duty loved to take playful jabs at the National Guard Bureau Right now, pray for them. They are truly doing God's work right now. They are probably going to save hundreds of lives this weekend. That pilot in the photo in the CH-47 cockpit is my uncle and defacto older brother CWO4 Vern Pritchard. Truly proud of him! Thank you all for your service.

I have seen Nick Lavery speak before at a veterans event. Truly an inspirational story. This post hits home. Take care of yourself first because your health is a no-fail mission.

As a retired Marine and law student, I often get questions from younger students about life in the military as a JAG. I can offer them a retired, non-legal enlisted Marine perspective on it. But I do know, It could potentially be a rewarding career for many of them. I don’t work in recruiting nor am I in the Corps anymore, but I know what the institution did for me. I am biased, I wouldn’t have stayed 20 years if I didn’t like it. Plus I know a few of my fellow students who would probably make great Marines. 😉 Great post by this OSO.

Attorney friends, I need your insights! This not-so-young law student is diving into law school and would love to hear from those in the field. What areas of practice would you recommend exploring, and what draws you to them? What fields do you think will be more “future proof” from technology? Your advice could shape my next steps—so feel free to share your experiences, surprises, or even what you’d do differently! 😊