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Cheryl Van Ackeren

Attorney Bio

     Attorney Cheryl Van Ackeren is a dedicated attorney with a passion for serving those who have served our country. Her commitment to protecting the rights of service members and veterans stems from her own personal experience in the US Army. As a Soldier with the 1st Cavalry Division, Cheryl served a 15-month deployment in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she witnessed firsthand the sacrifices and challenges faced by those in uniform. A combat-related injury led to her medical discharge, cutting short her dream of becoming a JAG officer. However, this experience fueled her determination to find another way to support her fellow soldiers.

     Undeterred, Cheryl returned to civilian life and pursued her education with renewed purpose. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology before attending Seattle University School of Law. During law school, she sought every opportunity to gain practical experience in military law and veterans' advocacy.

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        Attorney Cheryl began interning at Swift & McDonald, a firm specializing in military law and family law for service members, after her first year of law school. For nearly three years, she honed her skills handling a diverse range of cases, including:

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  • Board of Corrections cases

  • Court-martial defense

  • Administrative separations

  • Appeals for nonjudicial punishments and Letters of Reprimand

  • Security clearance issues

  • Family law matters (divorce and child custody) for military families

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        Seeking to broaden her impact, Cheryl also worked with the Northwest Justice Project's Veterans Division. There, she provided crucial legal aid to homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness, addressing issues such as housing, benefits claims, and access to healthcare.

"My time in the Army, especially my deployment to Iraq, gave me a deep understanding of the unique legal needs of service members and veterans," says Cheryl. "I'm committed to using my skills and experience to ensure they receive the justice and support they deserve."

       After graduating from Seattle University School of Law in 2013, Cheryl continued her work at Swift & McDonald, transitioning from intern to associate attorney. She is known for her compassionate approach, her meticulous attention to detail, and her tenacious advocacy in the courtroom. Cheryl is particularly skilled in handling disability claims, discharge upgrades, and cases involving PTSD and other combat-related mental health conditions.

      Outside of her legal practice, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her daughter and son. She is an avid horseback rider, snowboarder, and dancer, and loves exploring the outdoors through camping, hiking, and road trips. Her passion for life and her adventurous spirit serve her well both in and out of the office.

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If you are a service member or veteran facing a legal challenge, contact Cheryl Van Ackeren today for a confidential consultation.

“One Person With Passion is Better Than Forty People Merely Interested.”

~ E. M. Forster

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