Law Student Named Squire Patton Boggs Veterans' Justice Fellow

Photo Submitted

Joshua Clem

Second-year law student Joshua Clem has been selected as the 2022 Squire Patton Boggs Foundation Sustained Impact Veterans' Justice Fellow. He was selected from a large pool of highly qualified law students from across the country.

As a Fellow, Clem will have the opportunity to work with Swords to Plowshares, a community non-profit organization that has helped veterans since 1974, in San Francisco. Following a period of training, he will be given the opportunity to engage in legal and factual research, prepare legal memoranda, draft client and witness declarations, interview potential clients to assess eligibility for services, draft legal briefs, create and update self-help materials, and assist clients in obtaining public benefits and/or a discharge upgrade.

"Josh is a terrific law student and exemplary person," said Rodney E. Slater J.D.'80, former U.S. secretary of transportation and chairman of the Squire Patton Boggs Foundation. "He is passionate about serving other veterans for whom he has great empathy. He will be an outstanding Fellow and will contribute so much as the foundation's first Veterans' Justice Fellow."

"I want every veteran to have the same opportunities to succeed as I did, and to be able to take advantage of the benefits that incentivized their commitment to service that I took advantage of on my journey to law school," Clem said. "The military's greatest asset has never been individual service members, but a community of warriors linked by common purpose. I am excited about the opportunity to display the values the Marine Corps instilled in me — honor, courage and commitment — by continuing that commitment off the battlefield and ensuring that no one is left behind at home."

Clem enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and attended MCAS Miramar, South Carolina. In Afghanistan, he provided aircrew personnel with airframes-specific guidance while participating in combat flight operations as an aerial observer. He also performed routine maintenance and repairs on the MV-22 Osprey.

In 2021, Clem was a criminal defense extern at Benton County Public Defenders, where he assisted attorneys with research and trial preparation and produced legal memorandums.

"Josh is an outstanding student and is prepared to hit the ground running," said Alena Allen, interim dean of School of Law. "I know that he will do excellent work this summer."

Each year, the Squire Patton Boggs Sustained Impact Fellowship Program awards fellowships to exceptional law students who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to public service and a developed interest in public policy. These law students commit their summers to advancing public policy issues through non-profit institutions, government agencies and domestic or international organizations. The foundation is rooted in a history of civil rights advocacy and has awarded fellowships since 2004. The Veterans Justice Fellowship was inspired by a 2021 Veterans Day panel presentation, created and led by Foundation Advisory Committee Chair Rick Talisman to honor veterans and recognize the substantial amount of pro bono work for veterans done by members of the firm. 

About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follows us at @uarklaw.