My name is Catherine Cornell, and I am an attorney who works to get veterans and their families the benefits they deserve. I became interested in helping veterans with disabilities in college during an internship at CNN in Washington, DC when I researched a story about homeless veterans. After getting my master's degree in journalism, I worked in TV broadcasting for several years. I then left TV journalism to pursue a career in law.
After law school I worked as a litigator at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago (now Legal Aid Chicago) for more than five years, helping some of Chicago's most impoverished residents with a variety of legal matters. After a short stint as one of the editors of the journal generated by the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, I worked at a law firm where I got my start handling veterans compensation claims.
Seeing the frustration experienced by so many veterans and their family members trying to navigate the complicated VA system, I decided to establish my own law practice that focuses only on VA benefits. I handle cases at all levels of appeal, from the regional office level up to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Additionally, my father served honorably in the U.S. Air Force.
In addition to owning my own law practice, I serve on the board of the Veterans Legal Aid Society. I am also a sustaining member of the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates.
When I am not working on behalf of veterans and their families I love to bike, spend time with my family, read, hike, bake (I make a mean chocolate chip cookie) and play with our rescue dog, Rosie.
1
Practice Area
14 years
20%-20%
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Chat withState: Illinois
Acquired: 2002
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1101 W. Lake St., Suite 405A, Oak Park, IL, 60301
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jose | November 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Catherine is a caring and knowledgeable individual, she took on my case and helped me along the entire process. She helped me understand the process, my rights, options and kept me involved every step of the way. I strongly encourage anyone seeking legal help to turn to Catherine. Thank you for every...
Posted by Michael | June 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney
After more than 8 years fighting unsuccessfully to win my disability claim, I was blessed to meet Attorney Cornell. Often times veterans are not capable of obtaining the best representation to assist them in applying for benefits; this was my situation. However, with the help of Attorney Cornell, m...
Posted by Adam | April 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney
My claims were complicated and required a lot of work. Catherine was not afraid of the challenge and was able to help me out tremendously. She has helped my family and I to her fullest ability and I would recommend her to anyone!
Posted by S. TAY | March 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney
After several denials from the VA, we retained Catherine Cornell to represent my husband for what seem to be a losing battle. Catherine actively listen to our concerns, she is very compassionate, professional, personable and extremely patient! Catherine continuously provided us with updates for ...
Posted by Chris | January 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney
After my application for VA benefits was declined by the VA, I knew that I needed assistance appealing my case. I contacted several law firms that specialized in veterans benefits, some were not interested in my case, and some did not even return my phone call. I found Mrs. Cornell on a the Nationa...
"I have had the pleasure of having Catherine provide me her expertise on several VA disability cases. Her thorough understanding of the law, practical knowledge of VA processes, and genuine interest in the well being of veterans make her a superb advocate."
"Catherine is the consummate professional. I send her all of my Veteran's Benefits referrals. Her knowledge is deep and professionalism high. In my opinion, you can't go wrong working with her."
"Catherine works with veterans to help them get service-connected benefits. She is a pro who knows this area of law better than anyone in the area! She is kind, compassionate, and treats her clients with utmost respect. You could not hire a better attorney to help you with your VA matter!"
Elder law lawyer
Military law lawyer
N/A
Lawyer Spotlight, 2Civility
2011 - Present
Owner, The Veterans Practice, Ltd.
2016 - Present
Veterans Legal Aid SocietyBoard Member
2014 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
National Organization of Veterans' AdvocatesMember
N/A
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
MA - Masters
2016
VA Disability Compensation
2014
VA Disability Benefit Programs
2020
2019
2019
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2019
2018
2018
2018
2017
2015
English
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