The City Bar Justice Center’s Veterans Assistance Project (VAP) provides veterans and their survivors pro bono legal assistance with their claims for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Joe Marshall, Associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, consistently demonstrates an extraordinary depth of knowledge and thoughtfulness in his legal work. Whether directly representing veterans or providing research and advocacy on proposed federal rule changes, his contributions reflect thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and a deep sense of responsibility to the veteran community.

In one matter, Joe represented a client who lives and suffers from PTSD and painful scarring as a result of a gunshot wound to his abdomen, rendering him unable to work. Joe’s legal assistance played a crucial role in achieving an increase in the veteran’s benefits by $1,508 per month – a truly life-changing result for this veteran.

In addition to his work on cases, Joe regularly steps up to assist VAP with developing detailed public comments on the Federal Register’s notices of proposed rule changes. In the past year, he led work on three such comments. Joe and the Cravath team submitted deeply researched, practical recommendations that challenged the VA to approach policy reform with greater rigor and accountability.

Joe has also been instrumental in involving Cravath’s summer associates in VAP’s mission. This past summer, under his leadership, a cohort of associates created two “Know Your Rights” pamphlets designed specifically for veterans to navigate housing court and other civil legal issues. These resources will be part of VAP’s outreach toolkit and will make an impact in client education.

Joe exemplifies what it means to be a strategic and compassionate pro bono advocate. We are proud to present him with a 2025 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award.