Nies is starting to see his legal work transform again. A disabled Army Ranger veteran, he represents an increasing number of disabled vets and civilians injured in service to military contractors.
“It’s all word of mouth and recommendations,” Nies said. “They hear I’m a disabled vet and they call me.”
The work makes him passionate about his practice. “I love it,” he said. Military veterans and civilians who have served overseas are “respectful. They’re honest. And they come to me because I was a Ranger.”
Many denied benefits after an injury find their way to Van Riper & Nies on almost a daily basis. The day he spoke with the TCBJ, he had taken the case of a young Green Beret injured as a civilian contractor on a base in Afghanistan.
“Nearly all my Defense Base Act (civilian) clients are veterans,” Nies said.
