Francine Bennett, J.D.'s Linkedin Analytics

Hi, I'm Fran! I'm a Marine Veteran, solo practitioner, and policy geek. I am also a veteran with a service connected disability. So is my husband. We served a collective 50 years. We both served in combat zones (and many good places, too). We are in an inter-service marriage (he's a retired Soldier), but the good-natured rivalry always stayed at the door with our boots. We both lived the life of service member, military spouse, and at times, family caregiver. We are also raising three children, only two of whom were military brats (hello, retirement baby)! But before we were any of those things, we were poor kids from the wrong side of the tracks. Military service was a rocket ship of upward mobility for my husband and me, and for that we are eternally grateful. Through these life experiences, I have a deep understanding of military/ veteran family life impacted by disability, as well as the challenges that low income families face. This life experience informs and shapes my practice of law. In the service, I was primarily a policy writer. I did reviews of eligibility for Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits, Montgomery GI Bill benefits, and the Transfer of Education benefits program at the HQMC level. I also reviewed applications for corrections of naval records, and made recommendations on whether the member's petition should be approved or not, based on the facts presented and the pertinent policy. These petitions included re-enlistment code upgrades, reappointment eligibility, and time in service reviews to determine if a member had reached statutory service limits, or whether they were eligible for a waiver. At the SECNAV level, I made eligibility determinations and award recommendations to the Secretariat for the reserve incapacitation pay program. I am also familiar with military divorce, apportionment, and the frozen benefit rule as it pertains to military divorce decrees/ military retirement pay division. In addition to a bevy of knowledge about military personnel policy, my experience post service has given me knowledge about and practical experience in eviction defense/landlord-tenant disputes, small claims and credit actions, social security disability claims, and guardianships. I am, at my core, a defender with a servant's heart.