Brown, Goldstein & Levy attorney Michelle Fraling (she/her) spoke as a panelist for American University Law Review’s (AULR) Federal Circuit Symposium on November 7. As a panelist, Michelle spoke about how the government’s harmful interpretations of the Veterans Judicial Review Act could deprive veterans of a meaningful opportunity to have their claims heard.
The AULR tapped Michelle for this panel presentation based on her amicus practice and recent ACLU article, “A Quiet Threat to Veterans’ Civil Rights,” published in May 2025. The article explored how harmful interpretations of the VJRA could potentially block veterans’ access to federal district courts. Additionally, Michelle was involved in the ACLU’s filing of amici briefs in Powers v. McDonough and NOW-NYC v. Department of Defense, which argued that the VJRA does not preclude the veteran plaintiffs from bringing their claims in federal district court.
Michelle Fraling is a civil rights lawyer dedicated to advancing justice and ensuring equality. Her practice spans a wide range of civil rights issues, including disability rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and employment discrimination. Michelle brings a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to her practice. She understands how deeply the law can affect people’s lives and prioritizes making people feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout the legal process. Before joining Brown, Goldstein & Levy, Michelle was a Skadden Fellow with the ACLU where she investigated and litigated cases on behalf of veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. Her fellowship project focused on expanding access to health care for LGBTQ+ veterans and service members.
Learn more about Michelle here.
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Founded in 1982, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a law firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, with an office in Washington, DC. The firm is nationally recognized in a wide variety of practice areas, including complex civil and commercial litigation, civil rights, health care, family law, and criminal defense. Above all else, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a client-centered law firm that brings decades of experience and passionate, effective advocacy to your fight for justice.