Birmingham attorney begins medical school to expand veteran support

Demus Copeland has begun his studies in medicine at the University of Antigua College of Medicine, marking the start of his 17th degree. The Birmingham native, who serves as a practicing attorney and real estate agent, received a $55,000 scholarship to continue his education.

Copeland’s academic and professional path includes eight years of service in the Marine Corps, a license in real estate, and a role in real estate law. He also ran for Shelby County Tax Commissioner. His current pursuit of a medical degree follows his completion of a law degree and his passing of the bar exam last year.

The shift toward medicine stems from Copeland’s observation that veterans often lack awareness of available resources. He noted that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers extensive benefits, including education funding, career change assistance, and startup support for law practices. He aims to provide direct guidance on these options, combining his legal background with new medical training.

Copeland’s interest in psychology and advocacy originated during his military service. He cited the loss of service members to suicide during his deployment in Djibouti as a driving factor for his bachelor’s degree in psychology, which he completed in 2021. That deployment was non-combat and focused on community building, which altered his perception of the military’s role beyond warfare.

A 2008 accident during a Marine Corps Reserve drill weekend further shaped his career. His vehicle slid off an icy highway, ejecting him and his crew from an embankment. While Copeland walked away from the crash, one close friend died and others were paralyzed. The incident led to a class action lawsuit and deepened his focus on helping individuals understand their legal rights.

As a lawyer, Copeland now handles cases involving medical malpractice. He believes his dual education in law and medicine allows him to address common misconceptions about veterans. He stated that many people view veterans through a lens of trauma, but he emphasizes that they are regular people who follow orders. His goal is to use his medical training to clarify these issues and support veterans in navigating their benefits.

Copeland is from the Woodlawn community in Birmingham, where he saw a need for advocacy early in life. After two years at Birmingham Southern College, he enlisted in the Marines to find direction and discipline. His current schedule requires years of training, a commitment he attributes to the rigor developed through his previous studies in psychology, law, and real estate.

He will continue his legal work while attending medical school. His firm, Copeland Law Office LLC, operates in Birmingham. Copeland’s plan is to integrate his medical knowledge into his legal practice, specifically to help veterans access the full range of services provided by the VA.