Martin Parsons

Personal Introduction

I retired from the military after spending four years on active duty in the Marine Corps and twenty-two years, part-time and full-time, in the Illinois Army National Guard. I served in Iraq from 2005 to 2006 with the 2-130th Infantry Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After retiring from the military, I decided to attend law school and graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Law. After graduation, I practiced business and employment law in Carbondale, Illinois before joining the faculty of SIU School of Law to reestablish its Veterans’ Legal Assistance Program. While I continue to teach as an adjunct professor at SIU School of Law, I primarily focus my time and effort on assisting entrepreneurs proactively protect their small businesses and nonprofits. I am fascinated with advances in technology in the legal profession and continually study ways to provide legal services more efficiently and cost-effectively to small business owners. I am admitted to practice law in Illinois and Missouri, providing legal representation across various areas. Additionally, I am admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, allowing me to handle cases at the federal level. My admission to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims enables me to advocate for veterans' rights, offering specialized support in navigating complex appeals processes. I have an addiction to the paisley pattern and if you see me on any Friday, I will be wearing a paisley shirt!