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
15 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
26 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Administrative Law
Posted by Chris | January 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Tireless Advocate for Veterans Rights
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...
Posted by anonymous | June 07, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Awesome Attorney
When I first met Catherine I was frustrated and ready to give up on dealing with the VA. But after meeting with her she explained to me how she's a veterans advocate and understood the process and maintained knowledge of all changes. She also helped me understand and got me to the point that I was ...
Posted by Ken | September 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Twice denied VA claim
I was two years into rejections from the VA and then I found an attorney Who cared and was willing to help me. It took another two years but Catherine won the battle for me and my claim was granted. She was always available when I had question or just wondering if anything was happening. Catherine w...
Posted by anonymous | June 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Serene Counsel
Hiring Catherine as my representative was the best decision I made throughout the VA appeals process. She alleviated any stress and tumult I had by providing expert counsel. Catherine kept me informed on every new update and explained everything in a clear concise manner. Catherine's professionalism ...
Posted by Peter | February 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Compensation
She provided all necessary forms and filed them on time to the VA. She followed up on all appeals and even put in new claims. She kept me informed all the time. She contacted any source I provided her for backup information. She went above and beyond in her job.
"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
2019
2019
2018
2018
2018
2017
2015
English
Legal Guides