Shannon Mangram is a Veterans Disability Attorney at Berry Law, where she focuses on advocating for Veterans and helping them access the benefits and rights they deserve. Her journey into law was inspired by a close friend who recognized her natural advocacy skills and encouraged her to pursue this path. Shannon’s background in community development solidified her commitment to empowering others with knowledge and support, leading her to pursue a joint-degree in law and leadership.
Shannon graduated in May 2024 with a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law, concentrating in litigation. She also holds a Master’s of Science in Leadership Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. As a senior certified law clerk during her last year of law school, she gained hands-on experience in both civil and criminal law, with a strong dedication to making a difference in her community.
Shannon’s passion for listening and understanding sets her apart from other attorneys. She prides herself on her ability to actively listen, learn, and grow from each client interaction. Shannon’s personal motto, “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show…let me do it now,” reflects her unwavering commitment to helping others.
Outside of her legal practice, Shannon enjoys poetry, songwriting, and performing as a jazz vocalist. She also finds joy in reading fantasy literature, playing chess, and supporting Cornhusker football. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Shannon is also involved in youth development programs in Lincoln, Nebraska.
By Shannon Mangram, J.D., M.S.
I recently started as an attorney at Berry Law, working in Veteran’s Practice. It has been a formative 90 days, filled with ample opportunities for growth, and one of the largest opportunities for growth I’ve encountered is my knowledge of the Veteran experience. As an academic, female, non-veteran, I didn’t understand the collective comradery that veterans feel, the pride they espouse in our country and its ideals, and the challenges they experience in service. I feel honored to represent the servicemembers of the United States Military, and here’s why.
One thing all veterans have in common is the understanding that their contribution to the world is bigger than they are. And that even though their role may be small, it is crucial to a larger story being written. Veterans help author the story about the people and families that need protection, and the international community that relies on its strength. Veterans selflessly sacrifice, and those with disabilities, continue to sacrifice their well-being and their interpersonal relationships for the compelling cause that is preservation of the United States of America. The veterans I have worked with possess a unique wisdom, a wisdom that is grateful, honorable, and principled. It leaves me speechless sometimes.
Since I started, I have been inspired by countless acts of heroism, bravery, and the great sacrifices those who have served make. There are millions of veterans who have sacrificed, millions who have made what we call “the ultimate sacrifice,” in order to protect and defend the “Greater Good.” We can take a lesson from veterans in this way and ask ourselves how connected we feel to the mission of the United States of America.
As a former diversity professional, I should not have been surprised at the amount of diversity within the military. Every service member is different, with a different reason for joining the military. Every experience within the military is unique, as something that happens to one person may impact another differently. Some veterans are able to manage their PTSD symptoms, while others are debilitated by them. Some veterans are young women, some are engineers, some are Latino, some are black, some are old, some are accomplished, some are tailored specialists, some may be struggling…but ALL are heroes.
It is refreshing to be reminded that our country allows us the opportunity to join together, an opportunity to be united in cause and in purpose, and the purpose is to promote the ideals of freedom, hope, and justice in the world as it exists. My exposure to differences reminds me to never make overgeneralizations about a group of people, and to remember each person is an individual I have an opportunity to make a connection with.
Unfortunately, many veterans are still fighting to maintain their jobs, to keep their homes, and to make ends meet. The rate of homeless veterans is decreasing, but the Congressional Research Service states that in 2020, approximately 84,000 veterans experienced sheltered homelessness that year.1 What’s even worse, the Congressional Research Service estimates that 71% of those veterans have disabilities, possibly related to their service.
More veterans than ever are receiving disability benefits for their conditions that result from their service. However, many of those veterans have had to endure the process of appealing decisions multiple times to even receive that connection. There’s no telling how many veterans gave up fighting the VA for their benefits, due to sheer exhaustion. I have seen this sense of hopelessness up close, as my father-in-law, an Army Veteran, never even tried to get VA benefits. He had heard so many awful stories about veteran experiences with the Department of Veterans Affairs, that he thought it would be better to live with his conditions rather than try to get them service connected.
I recently heard a story from a colleague and veteran, Attorney Orron Hill, who told me the story of a man he helped. This Veteran went from being homeless, to taking a chance to work with Berry Law, and now owns a home. It brought tears to my eyes because he not only receives payment, but now has the opportunity to chart a new course for his life…one less battle to fight.
There are countless other stories like this, where veterans take a chance after being exhausted by the system and Berry Law takes the weight off their shoulders. We can’t stop the nightmares, treat the conditions, or provide the community support veterans need. But we can help Veteran receive the benefits they’ve earned in service, lifting the load just a bit, so they can continue to fight.
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All in all, there’s much more for me to learn. But I have an increasing appreciation for our servicemembers, their families, and all they sacrifice to keep our country safe and secure. If you know a Veteran, remind them they do not have to fight alone. Thank them for everything they’ve sacrificed, and continue to sacrifice, and send them our way if you would like.
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