Disaster Legal Services
Training Manual
Chicago, IL
June 2014
Disaster Legal Services Training Session
American Bar Association
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
June 2014
Chicago, IL
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/young_lawyers/disaster_legal_services.html
ABA YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES (DLS)
DLS/FEMA TRAINING
AGENDA
June 28, 2014, 2:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Hotel Chicago Downtown
333 N. Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois
2:15pm
Check-in, Welcome, and Introductions
David Nguyen, DLS Director
Mary Ellen Martinet, Associate Chief Counsel, FEMA
2:30pm
Introduction to the Disaster Legal Services program and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency
Tanya Stevenson, FEMA
Ryan Hamilton, DLS Vice-Director
3:15pm
Break
3:30pm
Involving civil legal services in disaster response & National Disaster Legal Aid
John Eidleman, Senior Program Counsel, Legal Services Corporation (LSC)
Tony Barash, Chair, ABA Special Committee on Disaster Response & Preparedness
3:45pm
Activity
4:00pm
The ABA YLD Response to a Disaster and Implementing the DLS Program
Dana Hrelic, former District Representative for Connecticut and incoming
Administrative Director
5:00pm
Break
5:15pm
Mock Disaster Table Top Exercises
David Nguyen, DLS Director, and the DLS Team
6:00pm
Reflection & Closing Panel
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I.
TRAINING OUTLINE
Welcome and Introductions – David Nguyen, DLS Director & FEMA Rep.
II.
The DLS program & FEMA
I.
Overview of the DLS Program – Ryan Hamilton, DLS Vice-Director
Brief history
A. Federally mandated program
B. FEMA responsible with carrying out federal mandate
C. FEMA carries out mandate through partnership with ABA, which in turn
partners with various legal aid groups, disaster responders, and bar
associations
II.
Brief explanation of when DLS is implemented - DLS may be implemented after the
President declares an area a major disaster and FEMA requests DLS services
III.
DLS Mission and Objectives - Ensure major disaster survivors have access to pro
bono legal help
IV.
Brief explanation of how DLS accomplishes its mission and objectives
A. When FEMA requests DLS, the ABA works with district representatives who work
with local legal aid groups, law firms, and bar associations to deliver pro bono
legal services
B. DLS is delivered via a hotline and/or onsite at a Disaster Recovery Center
(DRC) where disaster survivors can connect up with an attorney
C. DLS is in whole a volunteer program in which the District Representative (DR)
is responsible for the following:
 Coordinating the setup of the hotline
 Recruiting volunteers to manage the hotline calls and the walk-ins at
the DRC
 Assist disaster survivors so their legal needs can be met
V.
Brief overview of partners and ABA Sections
A. FEMA and the ABA YLD are the primary partners in the DLS program as
outlined in the MOA
B. Legal Services Corporation is an umbrella organization for legal aid
groups throughout the country
C. ABA Special Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness is available to
assist in mitigating and developing the relationship between the DR and the
state and/or local bar associations and are willing to provide their disaster
expertise if needed
D. ABA Pro Bono Program will post hotline information, press releases, etc. on the
ABA Disaster Website www.abanet.org/disaster
FEMA–Tanya Stevenson, Program Specialists, FEMA Headquarters
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I.
Brief overview of structure
II.
Brief overview of mission and objectives
III.
Brief overview of the disaster declaration process
A. Disaster strikes and the Governor requests the President to declare the area a
major disaster
B. President declares area a major disaster
C. The disaster declaration triggers implementation of certain Individual
Assistance programs
IV.
Brief overview of the Individual Assistance programs
A. Unemployment
B. Housing
C. Disaster Legal Services (DLS)
V.
FEMA’s role in DLS
A. Evaluate area and survivors impacted by a major disaster to determine need for
DLS
B. If DLS is determined, FEMA informs the YLD DLS Director of the declared area and
they follow-up with a Disaster Declaration, Letter of Intent (LOI), and Purchase
Order (PO) for $5K to initiate the program
C. Provide DRC access to DLS participating attorneys
III. Involving civil legal services in disaster response & National Disaster Legal Aid
Legal Services Corporation (LSC) – John Eidleman, Senior Program Counsel
I.
Brief overview of LSC
• Federal roots
• Mission and objectives
II.
Brief explanation of where LSC legal aid groups are located throughout the
country
III.
Brief explanation of LSC’s role in disasters
• LSC maintains its primary mission of serving the legal needs of low income
persons
• These legal needs may be complicated or increased because of a disaster
• LSC partners with the ABA in a couple of ways
• It may host the DLS hotline
 It may provide attorneys to represent low income disaster survivors who
meet LSC income parameters

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Special Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness – Tony Barash, Chair
I.
Brief overview
II.
Mission and objectives
III.
Role with DLS
IV.
Committee members as a resource to ABA YLD
IV.
I.
ABA YLD Response to a Disaster and Implementing the DLS Program
Contractual obligations
A. Familiarize yourself with the Memorandum of Agreement between FEMA and
the ABA YLD
B. Proceed with establishing the hotline only once the Letter of Intent LOI is
received to ensure reimbursement of expenses
C. Purchase order will follow and DR needs to take note of the terms of purchase
order (term date and amount) so as not to exceed them. Prior approval is
required from FEMA by way of an amended purchase order to exceed the terms.
II.
Hotline assistance
A. Upon receipt of the Letter of Intent proceed with hotline setup





See lifeline of an ABA YLD/FEMA hotline power point
Hotline usually housed by state bar
Hotline callers usually screened by state bar staff members
Screened callers sent to district representative for assignment to
volunteer attorneys
Hotline must be toll free
III.
On-site assistance - Staff booth at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)
 Work with field representative to coordinate
IV.
Volunteer recruitment
A. Contact state and local bars to let them know of need
B. Contact local legal aid groups - refer to contact lists distributed by Legal
Services Corporation
C. Contact the pro bono counsel of larger law firms
V.
Hotline publicity
A. Local / state media press releases
 State Bars will usually draft the press releases
 All press releases must be reviewed by ABA Media Relations before released.
Forward a Microsoft Word document of the press release for review to the
YLD Staff Program Associate, Alia S. Graham and the Communication Services
Page 4 of 78

Manager Ira Pilchen
Once the press release is finalized they can be sent to TV stations,
newspapers, radio stations, local churches, third party agencies (Red Cross,
Food Bank), etc. Also, the DR needs to send a PDF version of the final press
release to YLD Program Associate – Alia S. Graham for historical purposes and
to ensure it gets posted on the ABA Disaster Website
B. ABA Center for Pro Bono will publicize disaster 800 numbers, press releases,
volunteer requests, etc. on the ABA Disasters Website at
link www.abanet.org/disaster
VI.
Volunteer training
A. DLS manual
 Overview of DLS program
 Overview of typical legal questions
 List of third party organizations
 Go-bys
B. District representative instruction
 Cannot charge or accept a fee
 Must be a low income survivor at the time of the call
VII.
Assignment of cases to volunteers
A. Done through the district representative in smaller disasters
B. May be done through third party for larger disasters
VIII.
Reporting requirements
A. District representative reports on a weekly basis to FEMA Field Representative; ABA
Staff Liaison– Alia S. Graham; and the YLD DLS Team – David Nguyen, Kimberly Goins,
Wendy Ellard, Jamin Horn, and Matthew Vlasman
 Number of calls (with weekly total and grand total columns)
 Types of calls
 Number of volunteers
 Number of cases opened and closed
B. Shut down of hotline
 District representative works with FEMA field representative to

IX.
determine the appropriate time to shut down the hotline
Appropriate time is when the hotline is not receiving any calls after a
reasonable period of time
Submission of Disaster Approved Expenses
A. District Representative will need to submit for the disasters
approved expenses within 30-days of hotline closure. Expense reimbursement
requests should be sent to the FEMA Field Officer for initial review and approval and
Page 5 of 78
copy the YLD Staff Liaison – Alia S. Graham, Program Associate. The following is
required and should be included when submitting
 Detailed invoice from the bar association (on their letterhead) that incurred
the expenses to the American Bar Association – Attn: Alia S. Graham
 Must include backup pertinent receipts and invoices, tallies, approval emails, etc.
If ever in doubt on the process contact Alia S. Graham at 312.988.5671 with questions
B. Once invoice and backup is submitted to the FEMA Field Officer and YLD Staff
Liaison the following steps must occur before ABA can process the payment
 Submission is reviewed for accuracy and completeness by FEMA and ABA
 ABA creates an invoice and includes with the reimbursement packet
received from the DR and submits to FEMA Headquarters for their review
 Once FEMA approves expenses they will process the ABA’s invoice through
a wire transfer
 Upon receipt of the funds the ABA will then processed the invoice
submitted from the bar association to the ABA for payment
X.
Timeliness concerns
A. When DLS is activated (Letter of Intent - LOI is received) the hotline must be set up
within a short period of time (48 hours is ideal)
B. When a disaster survivor calls a hotline, the survivor’s call must be returned within
48 hours
C. DLS reports must be sent each week
D. Preplanning - In your absence due to a vacation, etc. be sure to inform the YLD
Staff Liaison; DLS Team; and the Administrative Director who they should contact
in the event of a disaster in your district
XI.
The role of the national district representatives
A. Provide access to translation services
B. Assist with recruitment efforts if needed
V.
Table Top Mock Disaster Exercise – David Nguyen, DLS Director, and the DLS Team
VI.
Closing Panel & Reflections
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NOTES:
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Disaster Overview
 Disaster cycle
 Types of Disasters
 Emergency Response
 How Disaster Legal Services fits in
Disaster Cycle
Types of Disasters
Natural or man made
Warning versus No‐warning
Emergency Response
How Disaster Legal Services (DLS) fits in
 Life safety and preservation
 Search and rescue
 Medical care
 Immediate needs ‐ Food, shelter, clothing
 DLS is a FEMA Individual Assistance program
 The ABA YLD provides DLS in presidentially declared disasters through its MOU with FEMA
 Part of collaborative disaster response effort
 Includes local, state and federal agencies, non profit organizations, etc. (counties/parishes, state and federal governments, FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Convention, etc.)
 Asset protection
 Incident Command System
 Coordinated approach to incident management
Page 13 of 78
Questions?
Page 14 of 78
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
1.
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
Natural or man-made disaster occurs.
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Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
2.
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Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
President declares disaster area.
3.
FEMA determines that disaster legal services are
needed.
Doc # 2132218
© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
4.
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Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
5.
FEMA contacts ABA YLD Disaster Legal Services
(DLS) Director.
DLS Team Member contacts appropriate ABA YLD
District Representative.
District Representative (DR) determines:
a.
b.
c.
Doc # 2132218
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Where hotline will be housed.
Who will staff hotline.
How referrals will be handled.
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© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
6.
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
Contact occurs between FEMA Field Officer and
ABA YLD District Representative.
7.
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9.
ABA YLD District Representative establishes hotline
and works with FEMA to distribute hotline number.
a.
b.
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© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
8.
Calls coming into the hotline are handled upon receipt or, if
more complicated, intake sheet is passed on to referral
attorney. Calls eligible for assistance must be:
a.
Related to the disaster.
b.
From low-income individuals.
c.
Not fee-generating.
i.
If fee-generating call, must be referred to
local or state attorney referral service.
ii.
If not fee-generating and call is simple,
may be handled on the phone by attorney
working the hotline.
iii.
If complicated, refer to pro bono attorney,
who must make contact with caller within
48 hours.
Toll-free 800 number must be used. (ABA
Chicago office provides toll-free 800 number if
needed.)
Voicemail must indicate that caller has
reached “the FEMA-ABA YLD Disaster
Legal Services Hotline.” May wish to add “in
conjunction with __________ State Bar.”
Voicemail message should be recorded in
both English and Spanish.
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© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
10.
11.
DLS Director receives Letter of Intent and Funding
Letter from FEMA. Usual amount of initial funding is
$5,000. If costs are expected to exceed that amount,
DR should notify DLS Team Member who will work
with DR and FEMA in producing a budget for FEMA’s
approval. If funds in excess of the initial allocation
are spent without prior approval there is no
guarantee that reimbursement will be given.
Doc # 2132218
© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
Attorneys who are licensed in the state may answer
legal questions while answering calls on the hotline,
attorneys not licensed in the state and all others may
only fill out client intake forms which will be sent to
attorneys who have volunteered to take pro bono
cases. If a call is handled on the hotline, no intake
sheet needs to be completed.
People who volunteer to answer calls on the hotline
must travel to the hotline location, we cannot route
calls elsewhere.
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© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
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12.
Attorneys who are licensed in the state may take pro
bono cases.
13.
ABA YLD District Representative maintains daily tally
of calls and reports totals to DLS Team Member,
FEMA Field Officer, and ABA YLD Staff on weekly
basis. DLS Coordinator sends weekly report to
FEMA Headquarters.
Doc # 2132218
© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
14.
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
Calls slow down - ABA YLD District Representative
works with DLS Team Member and FEMA to
determine appropriate time and manner of
terminating hotline.
15.
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© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
16.
Expense reimbursement requests should be sent to
FEMA Field Officer for initial approval then to the ABA
Chicago office for processing. Please keep receipts
to substantiate your reimbursement requests.
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© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Page 17 of 78
Final tallies sent to DLS Team, ABA Staff, and FEMA
Field Officer. DLS Team Member sends final tally to
FEMA Headquarters.
Doc # 2132218
© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
Lifeline of an ABA YLD FEMA Hotline
Natural or man-made
disaster occurs.
Contact occurs between
FEMA Field Officer and
ABA YLD DR.
DLS Director receives
letter of Intent and
Funding Letter from FEMA.
Attorneys who
are licensed in
the state may
take pro bono
cases.
ABA YLD DR maintains
daily tally of calls and
reports totals to DLS
Director, YLD Staff
Liaison, and FEMA Field
Officer on weekly basis.
DLS Director sends
weekly report to FEMA
Headquarters.
President declares
disaster area.
FEMA determines that Disaster
Legal Services are needed.
DLS Director contacts
appropriate ABA YLD District
Representative (DR).
ABA YLD District Rep
establishes hotline and
works with FEMA to
distribute hotline number.
People who volunteer to
answer calls on the
hotline must travel to
hotline location, we
cannot route calls
elsewhere.
Calls slow down – ABA
YLD DR works with DLS
Director and FEMA to
determine appropriate
time and manner of
terminating hotline.
FEMA contacts ABA YLD
Disaster Legal Services
(DLS) Director.
Calls coming into hotline are handled upon
receipt, or if more complicated, intake sheet
is passed onto referral attorney.
Attorneys who are licensed in the state may
answer legal questions while answering calls
on hotline; attorneys not licensed in the state
and all others may only fill out client intake
forms which will be sent to attorneys who
have volunteered to take pro bono cases.
Final tallies sent to
DLS Director, YLD
Staff Liaison and
FEMA Field Officer.
DLS Director
sends final tally to
FEMA
Headquarters.
Expense reimbursement requests
should be sent to FEMA Field
Officer for initial approval then to
the ABA Chicago office for
processing. Please keep receipts to
substantiate your reimbursement
requests.
Doc # 2132218
© Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2002
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6/20/2013
Oklahoma Severe Storms & Tornadoes
ABA YLD Response to a Disaster and Implementing the DLS Program
• May 20, 2013 at 2:56 p.m.
• Peak winds at 210 miles per hour
• On the ground for 39 minutes over a 17‐mile path
• Killed 24 people
• Injured almost 400 others
• 1,150 homes destroyed
• $2 billion in damages
Dana Hrelic
District 2 Representative (Connecticut and Rhode Island)
Molly Aspan
District 24 Representative (Oklahoma and Arkansas)
Dana Hrelic
Horton, Shields & Knox, P.C.
90 Gillett Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Office: (860) 522‐8338
[email protected]
Molly Aspan
Hall, Estill, Hardwick, Gable, Golden & Nelson, P.C.
320 S. Boston Avenue, Suite 200
Tulsa, OK 74103
Office: (918) 594‐0595
[email protected]
Hurricane Sandy
•
•
•
•
•
Second Costliest Hurricane in U.S. History
Major Flooding
Torrential Rain
Gale‐Force Winds
Connecticut & Rhode Island:
– Road Closures for all State Highways
– People on the shoreline, in up to 4 counties, evacuated from their homes
– Power outages for approximately 625,000 up to 9 days after the storm
– Millions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage discharged into Long Island Sound
– Hundreds of houses and businesses ravaged by the storm, flooded and destroyed
– Destroyed all new construction and rebuilding from the effects of Hurricane Irene, which was August 2011.
Moore, Oklahoma
Briarwood Elementary School
Before Disaster Strikes …
• You should:
– Prepare a “Form” News Release
– Talk to Your State Bar Affiliate
• Give Them a Heads Up About Hotline Assistance
• Discuss the Process & Be Prepared
– Inform State & Local Affiliate Members of Potential Need to Recruit DLS Volunteers
– Read Memo of Agreement between FEMA and ABA YLD and Become Familiar with Your Contractual Obligations
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1
6/20/2013
How the Hotline Works
When Disaster Strikes …
1)
2)
• Timing of Major Disasters:
– State Governor Declaration of Emergency & Request for Assistance
– Presidential Declaration of Federal Emergency
Hotline Callers Call the 1‐800 or 1‐888 Toll Free Hotline
Hotline Calls Screened by State Bar Staff Members
– Screening Information: Fill Out DLS Call Log Sheet
•
•
Name, Address, Cell & Home Phone Numbers
What type of legal assistance is needed?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
• Two Types of Assistance:
– Public Assistance: » Funding Available to the State and Local Governments (and Some Non‐Profits)
– Individual Assistance: » Funding Available to Individual and Family Residents Affected by Disaster
•
3)
4)
5)
6)
• DLS kicks in after Individual Assistance is Declared
FEMA application or denial of assistance help
Life, medical and/or property insurance claims
Home repair contracts and/or contractors
Replacement of wills, deeds, etc.
Landlord/Tenant problems
Mortgage and foreclosure problems
Do you presently have a lawyer? Can you afford one?
Staff Bar Members Forward Calls to DR (you!), and
DR Distributes Calls to Volunteers; OR
Staff Bar Members Distribute Calls to Volunteers.
Ask Volunteers to Return Calls within 48 Hours & Report Back
Letter of Intent
Press Release
• Did you already draft a “form” press release? If so, fill in the details! If not, do it now.
• Coordinate release to local & state media by state bar affiliate within 48 hours
• Include hotline number & eligibility
• After Individual Assistance is Declared for Counties in your State, You Will Receive a Letter of Intent.
• It Declares FEMA’s Intent to Implement DLS ...
– This is how you inform the public of how they can access DLS.
• And usually arrives up to 1 week after a declaration.
• Send to Your FEMA Field Rep., David Nguyen and Gina Sadler for Review and Approval before
Release
Look for Samples in Your Materials!
Release the Release!
Hotline Assistance
• Ask Your State Bar Affiliate to Release Your Press Release to Local and State Media including:
• When You Receive the LOI, Set Up the Hotline
– Within 48 Hours (Ideally)
– Usually Housed by State Bar
–
–
–
–
• Did you discuss this with the State Bar already? If so, remind them of what needs to be done.
– Toll Free Line
TV stations, Newspapers, Radio Stations
Local Churches
Third‐Party Agencies (Red Cross, Food Bank, etc.)
Bar Publications and Media
• Send a PDF version to Gina Sadler to ensure it gets posted on the ABA Disaster Website
• State Bar can be reimbursed for cost of establishing line
• Get estimate of line cost and authorize reimbursement with your FEMA contact before establishing line
– The ABA Center for Pro Bono will also publicize it.
– www.americanbar.org/disaster
– Get the Phone Number & Coordinate With Your FEMA Field Rep.
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2
6/20/2013
Volunteer Recruitment
Recap: It’s All in the Timing
• Reach Out to Local and State Bars to Recruit Volunteers
• Contact Local Legal Aid Groups
• Contact Pro Bono Counsel of Larger Law Firms
• Set up Hotline Within 48 Hours of Receiving LOI
• Ask Your Volunteers to Return the Calls Within 48 Hours
• DLS Reports Must Be Sent Weekly (Ask Your FEMA Field Representative if s/he Has a Preference for What Day of the Week)
• Check Your Calendar  Going on Vacation? Attending a YLD Conference? Real Life Example: Connecticut & Hurricane Sandy
•Sent e‐mails to local county bar young lawyer associations
•Sent e‐mails to Connecticut Bar Association YLS
•Worked with YLS leadership to specifically e‐mail individuals
•Reached out to Statewide Legal Services (CT legal aid group)
•They volunteered to handle all landlord/tenant referrals.
•Worked with CBA Insurance Section, which established its own hotline for insurance‐related questions and referrals.
– Inform the YLD Staff Liaison, the DLS Team, the Administrative Director and your FEMA Representative of what dates you’ll be gone and what arrangements you’re making in the interim.
You can’t get what you don’t ask for, so DON’T BE AFRAID to ask for help!
Volunteer Training
On‐Site Assistance
• You:
• You May be Asked to Help Staff the Booth at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)
– Review DLS Manual  includes overview of DLS program & overview of typical legal questions
• Give Your Volunteers:
– Check with your FEMA Field Representative & work with him/her to coordinate.
– Copies of sample questions
– List of third‐party organizations that will help
– List of other community and bar association resources (referral networks, etc.)
• Tell Your Volunteers:
– They don’t have to take every (or any) case. This is about helping survivors with basic legal advice and pointing survivors with more in‐depth problems in the right direction to people that can and will help them.
Reporting Requirements
Real Life Problems
• Who will house the toll free hotline?
• DR (you!) Must Report on a Weekly Basis to your FEMA Field Representative, Gina Sadler, and the YLD DLS Team (including David Nguyen)
• Report is in Excel Format and Includes:
–
–
–
–
– New Jersey issues with Hurricane Sandy
• Our hotline phone number was distributed to the wrong state!
Number of calls (weekly & grand total columns)
Types of calls
Number of volunteers
Number of cases opened & closed
– Connecticut overwhelmed with New Jersey callers
• The other state in my two‐state district won’t cooperate!
– Rhode Island rejected DLS after Hurricane Sandy
Ask your volunteers to report back to you with the results of their call within 24 hours of making the call.
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6/20/2013
Shut Down of Hotline
• District Representative works with FEMA Field Representative to determine the appropriate time to shut down the hotline
– Is the hotline no longer receiving calls?
– Has the hotline not received a call in a while?
• Coordinate with your state bar (or whoever is housing the hotline) to call the hotline provider (AT&T, etc.) and shut it down.
Submission of Disaster Approved Expenses
• Ask state bar for invoice for pre‐approved expenses
• Submit invoice to FEMA Field Representative and YLD (Gina Sadler) within 30 days of hotline closure.
– Include with detailed invoice:
• Backup pertinent receipts & invoices, tallies and pre‐approval e‐
mails
• FEMA and the ABA will then review your submission, the ABA must approve it, FEMA must approve it and send the ABA the money, and the ABA, upon receive of the funds, will process the invoice submitted from the state bar for payment.
Questions?
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4
ABA YLD AND FEMA DLS
RESPONSE TO
SUPERSTORM SANDY
Disaster Legal Services
Connecticut 866-864-4464
In collaboration with the Connecticut Bar
Association, and the Connecticut Bar
Association Young Lawyers Section.
New Jersey 888-541-1900
In collaboration with the New Jersey
State Bar Association.
New York 800-699-5636
In collaboration with the New York State
Bar Association.
Maryland 866-858-0039
In collaboration with the Maryland State
Bar Association.
Page 23 of 78
What is DLS?
The Disaster Legal Services (DLS)
program provides free legal assistance to
persons
affected
by
Presidentially
declared major disasters. DLS is a
Federal disaster assistance program
operated by the American Bar Association
Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD)
pursuant
to
a
memorandum
of
understanding with FEMA.
DLS delivers free legal services on legal
matters that arise directly from major
disasters.
What triggers DLS?
Upon request of a state governor, the
President may make a declaration of
major disaster for a state. The declaration
will define the areas of the state affected
by the disaster as well as the types of
federal assistance available to individuals
affected by the disaster.
Together, FEMA and representatives of
the American Bar Association will evaluate
the need for DLS. Once FEMA determines
DLS is needed, FEMA will contact the
American Bar Association’s Young
Lawyers Division to implement the DLS
program.
Who is eligible for DLS?
Any person affected by a disaster who
does not have the means to hire an
attorney may be eligible to receive free
legal assistance.
What types of legal matters can I
get help with?
The DLS program can provide legal assistance
on almost any legal issue that arises from a
Presidentially
declared
major
disaster,
including: bankruptcy, civil rights, employment
law, family law, FEMA benefits claims,
insurance law, landlord-tenant law, real estate
law, as well as wills, trusts, and probate
matters. To emphasize, legal help in any area
of law is only available if the legal issue is
directly related to a declared major disaster.
How do I get free legal help
through DLS?
When FEMA and the ABA YLD determine that
DLS is needed, the ABA YLD will set up a toll
free hotline to give individuals impacted by a
disaster a direct connection to free legal
assistance. All calls made to the DLS hotline
will be forwarded to attorneys who can provide
over-the-phone assistance, and when needed,
callers will be referred to attorneys who will
provide legal representation free of charge.
In some disasters, volunteer attorneys will staff
Disaster Recovery Centers allowing individuals
to meet with an attorney.
Will my call to the DLS hotline be
confidential?
Yes. All information provided through the DLS
program is completely confidential. In fact,
attorneys who work with the DLS program owe
the same duties to their disaster-clients as
they owe to their paying clients.
Page 24 of 78
This means that in addition to keeping
information you provide confidential, your
attorney is required to competently, and
professionally represent you and your
interests, and may pursue claims for
FEMA benefits on your behalf.
If you have questions about the duties
and responsibilities your attorney owes
you, contact your state or local bar
associations.
How many people has DLS
helped?
In the last four years, the DLS program
has provided free legal help to more than
100,000 individuals affected by major
disasters.
What should I do if DLS is not
provided for my disaster?
For some major disasters, FEMA and the
American Bar Association will determine
that there is little to no need for DLS. In
disasters where DLS is not being
provided, individuals seeking legal help
should contact their state and local bar
associations, as well as local legal aid
organizations.
Disaster Legal Services
www.ambar.org/disasterhelp
www.abanet.org/disaster
www.disasterlegalaid.org
www.fema.gov
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION
AND THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES RESPONSE TO SUPERSTORM SANDY
NEW YORK HURRICANE SANDY HOTLINE NUMBER:
800-699-5636
In collaboration with the New York State Bar Association
www.ambar.org/disasterhelp
www.fema.gov
Through the Disaster Legal Services Program, the ABA YLD and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) provide immediate temporary legal assistance to disaster survivors at no charge.
Page 25 of 78
States and U.S. Territories
Requiring Disaster Legal Services
July 2006 – May 2013
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Alabama
Alaska
American Samoa
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Page 26 of 78
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Individual Assistance Sequence of Delivery
Voluntary Agencies
Emergency Food, Shelter, Clothing Medical Needs
Insurance
Such as Homeowners, NFIP, etc.
FEMA Housing Assistance (Not SBA Dependent)
Applicants can receive more than one type of assistance
1.
2.
3.
4.
Temporary Housing Assistance – applicants can receive financial assistance to reimburse lodging expenses and/or rental
assistance for up to 18 months or the program maximum, whichever occurs first. Applicants can receive direct assistance
(FEMA mobile home or travel trailer) for up to 18 months.
Repair Assistance – owners can receive up to the IHP cap for repairs
Replace Assistance – owners with destroyed homes can receive up to the IHP cap towards the purchase of a new home
Permanent or Semi-Permanent Construction – owners with destroyed homes can receive direct assistance or financial
assistance for the construction of permanent or semi-permanent homes in insular areas outside the continental U.S. and in
other locations.
FEMA/State Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
Non-SBA Dependent Items
Assistance for Medical, Dental, Funeral, Other
SBA Income Evaluation (Repayment Capability)
To determine if applicant can qualify for a low interest SBA loan
Applicants must complete the SBA loan application and be denied for a loan to be eligible for further assistance.
SBA Referral – For SBA Dependent items and those
applicants who qualify for a low interest loans
FEMA/State Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
For those applicants who do not qualify for a SBA loan
Real Property (owners) loans up to $200,000
Personal Property (owners & renters) loans up to $40,000.
Personal Property
Moving and Storage
Transportation
Group Flood Policy
*If it is later determined that an applicant cannot qualify for
a loan, the applicant is referred to FEMA
Unmet Needs – Voluntary Agencies
If the applicant has received the maximum amount of assistance from FEMA, State, and/or
SBA’s federal disaster assistance programs or the federal disaster assistance programs do not
provide for the need, FEMA may refer the applicant to Voluntary agencies.
NOTE: Eligibility is based on a FEMA inspection conducted on the damaged property. Max amount of Individuals and Households Assistance
(IHP) is adjusted annually according to the CPI index.
Page 27 of 78
COMMON FEMA ACRONYMS
AA
ABA
ALE
ARC
BFC
CBFP
CBRA
CBRS
CCP
CFR
CPI
DAD
DAE
DD
DFC
DH
DHAP
DHS
DLS
DOB
DOL
DRC
DUA
EOP
EPA
EFT
EOC
EPA
ERT
ESF
EST
FCO
FEMA
FHBM
FRP
FSA
FSR
FY
GAR
HHS
HOH
HR
HS
HUD
Assistant Administrator
American Bar Association
Additional Living Expenses
American Red Cross
Bill for Collection
Cora Brown Fund
Coastal Barrier Resources Act
Coastal Barrier Resources System
Crisis Counseling Program
Code of Federal Regulations
Consumer Price Index
Disaster Assistance Directorate
Disaster Assistance Employee
Damaged Dwelling
Disaster Finance Center
Disaster Housing
Disaster Housing Assistance Program
Department of Homeland Security
Disaster Legal Services
Duplication of Benefits
Department of Labor
Disaster Recovery Center
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Emergency Operating Procedure
Environmental Protection Agency
Electronic Funds Transfer
Emergency Operations Center
Environmental Protection Agency
Emergency Response Team
Emergency Support Function
Emergency Support Team
Federal Coordinating Officer
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Flood Hazard Boundary Map
Federal Response Plan
Farm Services Agency
Final Statistical Report
Fiscal Year
Governor's Authorized Representative
Health and Human Services
Head of Household
Home Repairs
Human Services
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Page 28 of 78
IA
IHP
IFMIS
JFO
LAN
LTRC
NECC
NEMIS
NEPA
NFIP
NFIRA
NPSC
OFM
OCC
OIG
OMB
ONA
OSD
PDA
PFT
PP
QC
RA
RAA
RP
RR
SAP
SBA
SCO
SFHA
SOP
SSA
SSI
USDA
VA
VAL
VOAD
WYO
YLD
Individual Assistance
Individual & Households Program
Integrated Financial Management Information System
Joint Field Office
Local Area Network
Long Term Recovery Committee
National Emergency Coordination Center
National Emergency Management Information System
National Environmental Policy Act
National Flood Insurance Program
National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994
National Processing Service Center
Office of Financial Management
Office of Chief Counsel (formerly Office of General Counsel)
Office of Inspector General
Office of Management and Budget
Other Needs Assistance (formerly IFG)
Operation Support Division
Preliminary Damage Assessment
Permanent Full Time (Employee)
Personal Property
Quality Control
Regional Administrator
Request for Allocation Advice
Real Property
Response & Recovery
State Administration Plan
Small Business Administration
State Coordinating Officer
Special Flood Hazard Area
Standard Operating Procedure
Social Security Administration
Supplemental Security Income
United States Department of Agriculture
Veterans Administration
Voluntary Agency Liaison
Voluntary Agencies Active in Disasters
Insurance “Write-your-own”
Young Lawyers Division
Page 29 of 78
Legal Services Corporation Background Information for Disaster Legal Services Training
June 2014
Submitted by John C. Eidleman Senior Program Counsel, Legal Services Corporation Office of
Program Performance (OPP)
Introduction
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is a private, non-profit corporation established by
Congress to seek to ensure equal access to justice under the law for all Americans by providing
civil legal assistance to those who otherwise would be unable to afford it. LSC was created in
1974 with bipartisan congressional sponsorship and the support of the Nixon administration, and
is funded through congressional appropriation.
LSC is headed by an 11-member board of directors appointed by the President and
confirmed by the Senate. The board is chaired by John G. Levi. James J. Sandman is President of
LSC. He was selected for the position by the LSC Board of Directors on January 3, 2011.
By law, the board is bipartisan: no more than six members may be of the same political
party. LSC does not provide legal services directly. Rather, it provides grants to independent
local programs selected through a system of competition. In 2013, LSC funds 134 local legal aid
programs with approximately 900 offices. Together they serve every county and congressional
district in the nation, as well as the U.S. territories. Special service areas also address the
distinctive needs of Native Americans and migrant farm workers. Local programs are governed
by their own boards of directors, which set priorities and determine the types of cases that will be
handled by the program, subject to restrictions set by Congress. The services provided typically
relate to matters of family law, housing, employment, government benefits, or consumer
problems. A majority of each local board is appointed by local bar associations. One-third of
each local board is composed of client representatives appointed by client groups. Each board
hires its own executive director, who in turn hires the program staff. Programs are encouraged to
supplement their LSC grants with additional funds from state and local governments, IOLTA
(Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts) programs, other federal agencies, bar associations, United
Way and other charitable organizations, foundations and corporations, and individual donors.
They further leverage federal funds by involving private attorneys in the delivery of legal
services for the poor, mostly through volunteer pro bono work.
LSC-funded programs do not handle criminal cases, nor do they accept fee-generating
cases that private attorneys are willing to accept on a contingency basis. In addition, in 1996 a
series of new limitations were placed upon activities in which LSC-funded programs may engage
on behalf of their clients, even with non-LSC funds. Among them are prohibitions on class
actions, challenges to welfare reform, lobbying, litigation on behalf of prisoners, representation
in drug-related public housing evictions, and representation of certain categories of aliens. The
Corporation has implemented and rigorously enforces these restrictions.
The role of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in disaster response
1
Page 30 of 78
The role of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in disaster response is to facilitate the
flow of information to legal services programs to enable the ongoing delivery of high quality
legal services to low-income persons affected by disasters. This role is reinforced in LSC policy
and guidance documents, specifically, in the objectives and strategies of the LSC Strategic
Directions 2006-2010, which encourage strategic partnerships and collaborations, and in the LSC
Performance Criteria which defines one aspect of high quality legal services as disaster
preparedness and coordination with state and local emergency preparedness entities to ensure
continuity of client services at times of community disasters.
For many years, LSC had a limited capacity to address disasters. The focus was
primarily on obtaining and distributing specially appropriated funds on various occasions for the
purposes of supporting disaster legal services. Since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina swept
through the Gulf Coast region with ferociousness rarely if ever seen in recent times, LSC has
made significant strides in its capacity for facilitating disaster response by LSC grantees and in
coordinating with other organizations engaged in disaster response.
LSC has had significant success in developing a growing national infrastructure and
capacity for disaster response within LSC-funded programs and partner organizations. The keys
to this success are coordination, collaboration and the timely and open sharing of information
and resources with entities providing disaster response.
In the aftermath of natural disasters, LSC grantees in the stricken areas often face
dramatic challenges in meeting increasing demand for legal assistance by client communities. At
the same time, they are frequently dealing with program infrastructure challenges, the need to
replace their own property and equipment, and staff who are facing their own loss of property,
housing, and security. Having a national infrastructure that provides access to pertinent
information and resources is essential in supporting these programs.
Components of LSC’s Disaster Coordination and Planning Initiative



Collaboration with national Partners and stakeholders, including ABA, NLADA,
ProBono.Net, American Red Cross and FEMA, and with LSC’s grantees to promote
disaster awareness and competency
Serving as a resource to programs preparing for or responding to disaster
National Disaster Legal Aid website
LSC’s Relationships with National Disaster Response Organizations
LSC and its grantees understand that coordination and collaboration are cornerstones of
effective disaster preparedness and response. Developing and maintaining strong partnerships
with disaster response organizations at the national level is an important part our effort to support
grantees in this area.
FEMA. Today, LSC and FEMA have a strong partnership. Prior to Katrina, however,
LSC and FEMA did not work together. Following Hurricane Katrina, LSC contacted FEMA
2
Page 31 of 78
seeking supplemental funds to aid the provision of legal services to low-income people affected
by the storms. LSC was advised by FEMA that it was not in a position to assist LSC programs
and that FEMA already had a contract with the American Bar Association Young Lawyers
Division (ABA/YLD) for the provision of legal aid to low-income people following disasters,
through a program called Disaster Legal Services (DLS)1. That contract provides funding to the
ABA after a disaster to 1) setup a legal services telephone hotline; and 2) assist with the
recruitment of pro bono attorneys who can give advice to the individuals on topics such as how
to access FEMA services. 2
In December 2006, the LSC President and staff met with the FEMA Chief Counsel and
members of the Office of the Chief Counsel to promote a working relationship with FEMA and
to seek greater cooperation during disaster recovery. The cooperation discussed included
FEMA’s directing low-income people affected by disasters to LSC-funded programs for legal
assistance.
As a result of our meetings with FEMA, the FEMA Associate Chief Counsel for Field
Counsel was appointed as a liaison to LSC. She has participated in a number of the national
Legal Aid Disaster Network conference calls to answer questions from the field about FEMA
policy, and has helped programs resolve issues they face in working with FEMA, such as
obtaining release of clients’ files, access to Disaster Recovery Centers and policy issues on
recoupment of benefits.
FEMA has asked LSC to contact the agency about any problems that LSC programs
encounter with FEMA on the local level. As a result of this relationship LSC’s grantees
experience a more efficient process advocating for clients with FEMA 3
1
In times of disaster, FEMA and the ABA Young Lawyers’ Division (YLD) work together to facilitate assistance to
disaster victims through YLD Disaster Hotlines and Disaster Recovery Centers, which allow low-income
individuals to connect with pro bono attorneys. This long-standing program is known as Disaster Legal Services
(DLS). When the President of the United States declares a “major disaster” anywhere in the United States or its
territories, pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1974 (Stafford Act),
federal assistance is made available to supplement the efforts and resources of state and local governments and
voluntary relief organizations. This federal assistance is coordinated by FEMA and, if requested, may include free
legal services to low-income individuals. If Disaster Legal Services are requested by the governor of the state in
which the disaster occurred, FEMA then contacts the ABA/YLD Disaster Legal Services Coordinator. The DLS
Coordinator contacts the appropriate ABA/YLD District Representative (DR), who then put DLS in motion,
establishes a disaster hotline and recruits pro bono volunteers. The DR determines where the hotline will be housed,
who will staff the hotline, and how referrals will be handled. The typical amount of funding is $5,000 for each
hotline.
2
In August 2007, LSC was requested by FEMA to participate in settlement negotiations ordered by the presiding
judge in the litigation of TRLA vs. FEMA, pending in the US District Court Western District of Texas, to help
negotiate a settlement that included a new a contract between FEMA and the ABA/YLD that would ensure
coordination of the full complement of available legal resources at the time of a disaster. As a result of this
settlement, the prohibition on YLD attorneys advising clients of their rights against FEMA has been removed and
the YLD now coordinates with legal services and pro bono private attorneys to provide a broad range of legal
services to low-income persons during a disaster.
3
Two examples include: One issue related to the sufficiency of a release of information form attorneys are to submit
to FEMA to obtain a client’s records. LSC was able to obtain FEMA approval of a form that the field program was
using and more readily obtain copies of the client’s records. On the second issue, the executive director of Iowa
Legal Aid sought LSC’s assistance with FEMA to resolve a question about whether a client’s use of a FEMA grant
for home repair could be used for home replacement without written approval from FEMA. There was no prior
3
Page 32 of 78
American Bar Association. Although LSC and the ABA have a long history of
collaboration, the organizations had not worked together in the area of disaster relief until after
Katrina. In October 2006, LSC’s President and staff appeared before the ABA Special
Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness to discuss general disaster-related issues,
their impact on legal services, the role of the organized bar, and lessons learned from LSC’s
work.
In its written recommendation to the committee, LSC emphasized the importance of
private attorneys collaborating with legal aid providers on disaster preparedness and relief,
supplementing and providing advice and representation, and producing legal manuals. LSC also
emphasized the critical need for coordination of all legal services providers when a disaster
occurs. LSC recognizes that all available resources must be used in these situations. While YLD
attorneys play an important role in staffing hotlines and Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), there
often are not enough volunteers with a background in legal issues faced by low-income people. It
is, therefore, vital that legal services programs be on the front lines after a disaster.
With the support of the Special Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness, and
through the new FEMA YLD agreement, legal services providers are now an essential partner in
the DLS delivery program. LSC staff participates in the training of new YLD District
Representatives to ensure understanding of the role LSC and its grantees play in a disaster, and
to promote coordination among them. The DRs are supplied contact information for all LSCfunded programs and recipient programs are provided the list of ABA/YLD District
Representatives. LSC encourages its programs to reach out to their respective District
Representatives to coordinate efforts in advance of a disaster, train together, and to ensure that
they are included in the disaster hotline center. This sets the stage for better communication on
the ground during disasters, and ultimately improves client services.
American Red Cross. The American Red Cross serves as the primary emergency relief
and aid organization charged with leading and coordinating efforts to provide mass care,
housing, and human services after disasters. In October 2006, LSC met with representatives of
the Red Cross at their national headquarters in Washington, DC, to discuss coordination on a
national level and in particular, ways in which LSC programs and local Red Cross Chapters
could be better prepared to ensure that clients receive appropriate referrals for legal services.
Since that time, LSC has continued to develop strong collaborations with the Red Cross.
During federally declared disasters, the Red Cross routinely sends LSC its Partner’s
Report, detailing what and where services are provided so that we can inform grantees about
where help is available to clients.
In September, 2008, LSC and the American Red Cross entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) that provides a framework for partnership and cooperation between the
two organizations. This agreement enhances the efforts by LSC-funded programs to provide
FEMA directive on the subject. LSC was able to obtain an affirmative response from the FEMA Office of Chief
Counsel that clarified the client’s ability to use the funds for home replacement.
4
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legal assistance to disaster survivors. Because of the MOU, attorneys and advocates employed
by LSC-funded programs have access to the Red Cross service delivery sites to provide legal
counseling4. Both organizations encourage their programs and chapters to join in pre-disaster
planning and response activities at the local level. The MOU was renewed in 2012 (attached).
Ongoing Activities
Collaboration with National Partners and Stakeholders, and with LSC’s Grantees
to Promote Disaster Awareness and Competency

Frequent communication and regular collaboration with LSC with FEMA, the ABA/YLD,
and the Red Cross greatly benefits our programs’ ability to render legal assistance in the
wake of disaster.

National Disaster Preparedness Calls. Convened several times per year, these calls include a
broad range of participants, including legal aid executive directors and staff of programs
doing disaster-related legal work, substantive law experts, and national partners. Call
agendas have included discussions and reports on FEMA recoupment issues, the pro se
appeals process post-Katrina, small claims homeowners’ insurance, litigators who brought
cases on the issues of appeal rights, FEMA providing trailers for people with disabilities, and
the closing of public housing in New Orleans. The calls also provide opportunity for legal
aid providers to troubleshoot challenges they are facing, such as gaining access to Disaster
Recovery Centers, in real time. The participant list for the calls continues to grow as LSC
adds new state participants and as new disasters occur. They are a dynamic link to the
variety of skills and experiences that are needed to help all advocates provide support
throughout the national community in times of disaster.

LSC staff members present several times each year on issues of disaster preparation and
provision of legal services to disaster survivors. Since 2005 we have presented at more than
30 regional and national conferences, including ABA and NLADA conferences, trainings for
FEMA’s Disaster Legal Services initiative, and presentations to state bar associations.
Serving as a Resource to Programs Preparing for or Responding to Disaster
Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans. LSC encourages all of its grantees to develop
Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans so that they will be prepared in the event of a disaster.
LSC staff provides guidance and support for the development of these plans, and reviews them
when evaluating grant applications and during Office of Program Performance on-site visits.
Support for Grantees at the Time of a Disaster. LSC staff monitors news media, and
Red Cross and FEMA sites for information on a disaster or significant emergency (natural or
manmade) that appears to have an impact on one of our grantees or the client population. LSC
4
The LSC-Red Cross MOU was barely in effect when Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast in September.
As a result of the MOU, legal services attorneys from Lone Star Legal Aid were granted access to Red Cross
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and were able to work around the clock to ensure that their clients were being
served. This differs significantly from 2005, when Lone Star staff struggled to gain access to the DRCs.
5
Page 34 of 78
staff determines if and when it should reach out to the program. LSC staff inquires if the
recipient’s offices are affected and whether clients are affected. If there is a presidentially
declared disaster, LSC informs the program about what FEMA programs are available for clients
under the declaration. If FEMA’s Disaster Legal Services has been initiated, LSC staff
coordinates between the LSC recipient and the ABA Young Lawyer Division District
Representative to ensure coordination of a disaster hotline and availability of pro bono support
for clients. Programs are notified how to apply for an LSC Disaster Grant if their office or clients
have been significantly affected. They are also are informed of their local American Red Cross
chapter.
National Disaster Preparedness Calls. See above.
Disaster Grants. LSC published Disaster Relief Emergency Grant Instructions in the
Federal Register in January 2009 that allow current LSC grant recipients who have experienced
needs due to a disaster in a federally-declared disaster area to apply for disaster relief funding.
Post-Disaster Follow-up. An important part of LSC’s disaster-related work involves
ongoing contact with programs affected by disasters. In addition to hosting the national calls,
LSC individually reaches out to programs after disasters to gather information regarding the
program’s needs, the types of legal issues being seen, and the number of cases being handled.
National Disaster Legal Aid Website

www.disasterlegalaid.org. The website is a collaborative effort of LSC, ABA, NLADA and
ProBono.Net. Building on the work and success of www.katrinalegalaid.org and considering
the ongoing need for a centralized online resource for disaster-related legal content, in
September 2008 the four organizations launched a new, more general disaster website,. The
goals of this permanent disaster website are to: 1) serve as a centralized resource for legal aid
and pro bono attorneys across the country on legal issues related to all types of disasters; 2)
recruit and help mobilize pro bono attorneys in the aftermath of a disaster; 3) provide
accurate and timely information on legal issues related to disasters to the low-income public.
LSC Recipients Responding to Disasters in 2011
LSC-funded programs provide low-income disaster victims with legal assistance on matters
ranging from temporary housing, to disaster benefits, to consumer fraud, to family issues, such as
child-custody agreements affected by a parent’s death and child-support payments that have not
been made because of disaster-related issues. In 2011, three LSC-funded programs in particular
rose to the challenges posed by major natural disasters:
Legal Services Alabama (LSA) - When the largest outbreak of tornadoes in U.S. history ripped
through the South in April 2011, Alabama was the hardest hit state, with more than 200 deaths
and more than 6,000 homes destroyed. In the first days following the tornadoes, LSA conducted
a thorough assessment of the impact, set up a hotline, and dispatched staff members to disaster
assistance centers across the state. They also produced informational fliers on how to deal with
contractors for repairs, what kinds of benefits are available to victims, and how to terminate a
lease because of storm damage. (In Alabama, tenants have 14 days to give notice that they are
6
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terminating a lease on destroyed or damaged rental property or they could be liable for rent).
LSA coordinated its efforts with the four volunteer lawyer projects in the state, all of which
receive funding from LSA, with the state bar’s Young Lawyers Division, as well as with the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross.
Legal Aid of Western Missouri (LAWMO) - A deadly tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri,
destroying a hospital and more than 8,000 homes and apartments and killing more than 150
people. LAWMO immediately began working with FEMA, the American Red Cross, National
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, AmeriCorps, the state bar, community
organizations, and churches. In addition to more common post-disaster legal issues, one of the
biggest challenges facing Joplin residents in the months since the disaster has been a severe
housing shortage and massive rent increases and rent gouging. LAWMO has handled a number
of cases involving fraud related to clean-up and repairs, illegal evictions, and rent-gouging.
Law Line of Vermont (Law Line) - When back-to-back hurricanes in August 2011 caused
massive flooding in Vermont, LSC-funded Law Line quickly responded in coordination with
other legal services programs, the private bar, FEMA, and the Red Cross. Law Line has
dedicated a full-time attorney to provide legal assistance to persons affected by the flooding. In
addition to assisting flood victims, the attorney is advising pro bono attorneys and working with
local, state, and federal agencies addressing the needs of flood victims. The attorney also will be
available as a resource for Vermont’s Long Term Recovery Task Force.
LSC Recipients Responding to Superstorm Sandy in 2012
The storm made landfall in New Jersey on October 29, 2013, and on October 30 LSC
began sending emails and calling LSC programs in East Coast states from Virginia to Maine5
impacted by Sandy.
The purpose of the contact was to inquire about the status of the program staff, client
community and office facilities, to give programs contact information for local and national Red
Cross, FEMA, and ABA/YLD resources and to promote coordination in recovery efforts. We
include a copy of a disaster timeline concerning case types to be faced in future and information
on possible disaster grant funds funding opportunities.
While almost all programs on the east coast sustained some impact from Sandy (wind,
rain and snow), the hardest hit were in New York and New Jersey. Many LSC programs did not
respond to our calls and emails for days because they lacked power.
All six New Jersey programs6, the Connecticut program (Statewide Legal Services of
Connecticut, Inc.) and most New York programs lost power and were closed until November 2
5
West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.)
6
Central Jersey Legal Services, Inc., Essex-Newark Legal Services Project, Inc., Legal Services of Northwest
Jersey, Northeast New Jersey Legal Services Corporation, Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services, Inc. and South Jersey
Legal Services, Inc.
7
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when some staff were able to get to offices and assess the damage. A few programs in the
heavily impacted areas of New York (New York City and Long Island) made extraordinary
efforts to open on the 31st of October and November 1st. This was also true in New Jersey.
Programs had to take various steps to start operations, including moving servers to other
locations, working from satellite offices and working from home. Many programs were closed
all week and didn’t provide service until November 5 or later.
While programs were able to provide some service beginning the week after the storm
hit, it took more than a week for others to open all their offices. For example, Central Jersey’s
office in Elizabeth did not regain power until November 8th; the staff from that office worked out
of the program’s New Brunswick office until they were able to return to Elizabeth on Friday,
November 9th.
It was an extraordinary effort for programs to get back to business as soon as possible.
New York and New Jersey
In New York four of the seven LSC programs were unaffected. 7
The two programs serving the areas suffering the most devastation are Legal Services
NYC, and Nassau Suffolk Law Services Committee.8 Limited services were started the following
week starting November 5 in many offices.
In New Jersey, Central Jersey had damage to its one of its offices (roof and water damage
to the Trenton office).
The service areas suffering the most damage are those of South Jersey Legal Services,
where Atlantic City and Cape May are located, and Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services, where
numerous shoreline communities were impacted. Northeast New Jersey Legal Service’s service
area was impacted by severe flooding in Hoboken and several communities in Bergen County.
Travel was difficult in much of New Jersey because gasoline was hard to come by, and
some staff had loss of property and had damage to their homes.
A New York citywide Sandy Recovery Helpline was set up by LSNYC on November 5th.
It is staffed from 10 am to 3 pm on weekdays. As the call volume continues to increase cases are
referred to staff, pro bono counsel, and others in the civil legal services community. The
ABA/YLD also has a disaster hotline.
New Jersey also opened two hotlines. One operated by the ABA/YLD and the other by
Legal Services of New Jersey.
7
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc., Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Legal Assistance of
Western New York, Inc. and Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
8
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley had power/telephone loss and many staff members lost power for five days or
more and had to stay at hotels, friend’s homes, purchase generators, throw out food and eat at restaurants.
8
Page 37 of 78
Clinics
Throughout New York City staffed clinics were opened helping thousands of people to
apply for emergency benefits, FEMA assistance and unemployment insurance; helping to replace
lost medications, and addressing other urgent legal needs.
Training for Service Providers
There are ongoing trainings in New York including one by the state bar association, and
LSNYC and the City Bar Justice Center and the Legal Aid Society to train volunteer attorneys to
participate in disaster assistance clinics.
Legal services providers from the gulf coast who are experienced from Hurricane Katrina
stepped up to provide training in both New York and New Jersey.
Coordination of Volunteers and Other Service Providers
LSNYC worked with a volunteer from Sullivan & Cromwell to coordinate the placement
of pro bono attorneys in clinics where they can provide legal assistance to those in need.
Disaster Manual
In the first few days after Sandy struck, Legal Services of New York City developed the Disaster
Relief Legal Assistance Manual to help both victims and advocates. The manual includes
information on relief services, application and appeals processes, and other useful details.
Conclusion
LSC, the ABA, NLADA and other national partners continue to work together on
planning for the future of disaster relief as it applies to legal services clients and programs.
Telephone conference calls and e-mail discussions among the partners are helping to facilitate
the creation of permanent support systems for future disasters.
When LSC looks back in several years at our response to these national crises, we believe
that legal services programs will be able to say that the national response made possible by the
leadership of LSC made the difference for thousands of clients and gave them a voice and some
degree of control in a situation that was, in many ways, out of control. The lasting effects of our
work will undoubtedly be deeply felt by our clients and by the staff of LSC-funded programs. In
some states our programs have lost entire offices; other offices suffered property loss; some of
their staff lost homes and all of their possessions. These are terrible losses that can never be
erased. What LSC can do is continue our partnership building to support programs and enable
them to meet as much of the emerging legal need as possible.
9
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American Bar Association
Special Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness
I.
Formation of Special Committee
A.
Ad Hoc Hurricane Katrina Response (Katrina Task Force)
1.
Called on all parts of the ABA to assist
2.
Origin of Model Rule
3.
Development of Katrina Website with resources for survivors and
attorneys affected by Katrina, which then evolved to broader
resources for disaster preparedness
II.
Mission
The Committee’s mission is to promote and assist lawyers, law firms, bar
associations – including the ABA - and the justice system prepare for and
respond to disasters; to assist lawyers, as needed, recover from disaster; and to
ensure that the rule of law is respected and protected in times of major disasters.
III.
Website – www.americanbar.org/disaster
A.
Disaster Homepage
B.
Policy
Resources
C.
 Lawyers and law firms
 State and local bars
 Courts
 Public
 Legal assistance and hotlines
 Disaster planning
 Post disaster resources
 Gulf Oil Spill
IV.
Disaster Issues as a Priority
A.
Expanded Committee and resources
B.
Committee Highlights 2011
 Worked to prepare the ABA to better withstand disasters by
reformatting ABA’s Business Continuity Management Plan and
conducting tabletop exercise. The ABA is currently going through
PS-Prep certification process in order to be one of first
Associations to be certified under this standard.
 ABA adopted Resolution 116 which urges lawyers to prepare for
disasters through planning and for all bar associations to establish
committees to work on disaster related issues to ensure a
coordinated and effective response to members.
 Published a Survival Guide: A Lawyer’s Guide to Disaster
Planning, which provides attorneys with a template so they can
develop their own disaster plan.
Page 53 of 78



V.
Sponsored a CLE program at the ABA Annual Meeting on the nuts
and bolts of disaster planning for lawyers.
Recommended Agility Recovery Services, a company that
provides disaster recovery and connectivity immediately after a
disaster for businesses, to the ABA Member Advantage Program.
The Board approved Agility as a partner in the benefit program.
Created a short video that featured the stories of four attorneys
who survived a major disaster and the lessons that they learned.
The video is a finalist for the 2012 American Business Award.
DLS and Special Committee Coordination
A.
DLS leadership as members of Special Committee
B.
Website as source of information on DLS activities, active hotlines, and
other resources for current or ongoing disasters
C.
Special Committee as an advocate for DLS within ABA
D.
Members of Special Committee and Legal Services Division as resources
for DLS
E.
Special Committee as a partner
VI. Future Coordination
A.
Assist to better connect District Representatives within state bar leadership
and legal services community.
B.
Assist in adoption of Model Rule
C.
Strengthen ABA’s commitment to DLS and to its continuity
Page 54 of 78
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Anna Hubbard
Publications Director
Arkansas Bar Association
(501) 375-4606 or (800) 609-5668
[email protected]
Arkansas Bar Association
2224 Cottondale Lane
Little Rock, AR 72202
www.arkbar.com
Free Legal Assistance Available for Disaster Victims
Partnership between Arkansas legal organizations, ABA and FEMA helps residents
LITTLE ROCK, MAY 19, 2011 — A toll-free legal aid line is now available for victims of the
state’s recently declared disaster areas, Boone, White, Benton, Carroll, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner,
Garland, Hot Springs, Montgomery, Stone, and Washington Counties. The service, which allows
callers to request the assistance of a lawyer, is a partnership between the Arkansas Bar Association
and its Young Lawyers Section, the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership (Center for Arkansas Legal
Services and Legal Aid of Arkansas), the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Victims facing legal issues who are unable to afford a lawyer may call 1-877-434-4084 between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m. central time Monday through Friday to request assistance. Messages can be left at
any time. Callers should identify that they are seeking disaster-related legal assistance. Individuals
who qualify for assistance will be matched with Arkansas lawyers who have volunteered to provide
free legal help.
The type of legal assistance available includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster victims
Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
Help with home repair contracts and contractors
Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
Counseling on landlord-tenant problems
Page 55 of 78
Background
When the President declares a major disaster, FEMA, in cooperation with the American Bar
Association Young Lawyers Division, establishes a toll-free number for disaster victims to request
legal assistance. Funding for the toll-free line comes from FEMA under the authority of Section 415
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 100-707). The
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division in turn partners with state bar associations and
other legal organizations to recruit volunteer lawyers in affected areas to handle victims’ cases.
Victims should be aware that there are some limitations on disaster legal services. For example,
assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., those cases where attorneys are paid
part of the settlement by the court). Such cases are referred to a local lawyer referral service.
Partnership Members
The following organizations have joined forces to establish a toll-free phone line for Arkansas
disaster victims to request free legal assistance and to provide volunteer attorneys to handle cases
arising from recent severe storm, tornado and flooding damage.
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (www.americanbar.org) - The ABA
YLD, the largest national organization of young lawyers, provides leadership in serving the
public and the profession, and promotes excellence and fulfillment in the practice of law. Its
parent organization, the ABA, is the national voice of the legal profession and the largest
voluntary professional membership group in the world.
Arkansas Bar Association (www.arkbar.com) - The ABA is a voluntary, statewide organization
with over 5,000 members. Among its purposes are the advancement of the administration of
justice and the fostering among its members of high ideals of integrity, learning and public
service.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov) - FEMA coordinates the federal
government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and
recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Through an agreement with the American Bar Association, FEMA underwrites the cost of
operating toll free legal assistance lines for victims in areas designated as federal disaster sites.
Arkansas Legal Services Partnership (www.arlegalservices.org) - ALSP is a statewide
collaboration between Legal Aid of Arkansas (LAA) and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services
(CALS). Together, LAA and CALS provide free civil legal assistance to low-income residents
throughout Arkansas.
###
Page 56 of 78
Press Release
____________________________________________________
Contact:
Jack Wax
Media Relations Director
The Missouri Bar
Tel. 573-638-2251
[email protected]
Scott M. Hill
ABA YLD District 22 Representative
Hite, Fanning & Honeyman L.L.P.
Tel. 316-265-7741
[email protected]
Free Legal Assistance Available for Storm Survivors
Partnership between The Missouri Bar, ABA and FEMA helps residents
May 26, 2011 – A toll-free legal aid line is now available for survivors of recent storms,
tornadoes and flooding in Missouri. The service, which allows callers to request the assistance
of a lawyer, is a partnership between the The Missouri Bar and its Young Lawyers Section, the
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
Low-income survivors facing legal issues may call (800) 829-4128 24 hours a day to the
message line to request assistance. Callers should identify that they are seeking storm-related
legal assistance, and should identify what county they are located in. Survivors who qualify for
assistance will be matched with Missouri lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal
help.
The type of legal assistance available includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster
survivors
Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
Help with home repair contracts and contractors
Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
Counseling on landlord/tenant problems
Background
When the U.S. President declares a major disaster, FEMA, in cooperation with the American Bar
Association Young Lawyers Division, establishes a toll-free number for disaster survivors to
Page 57 of 78
request legal assistance. Funding for the toll-free line comes from FEMA under the authority of
Section 415 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency assistance Act (Public Law
100-707). The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division in turn partners with state
bar associations and other legal organizations to recruit volunteer lawyers in affected areas to
handle survivors’ cases.
Survivors should be aware that there are some limitations on disaster legal services. For
example, assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., those cases where
attorneys are paid part of the settlement by the court). Such cases are referred to a local lawyer
referral service. To determine whether an issue qualifies for free legal assistance, individuals
should call (800) 829-4128, and an attorney will determine whether the issue qualifies.
Local Press Contacts
For more information about disaster legal aid, please contact:
Eric Wilson
Legislative Counsel
The Missouri Bar
Telephone: 573-638-2240
E-mail: [email protected]
Partnership Members
The following organizations have joined forces to establish a toll-free phone line for Missouri
storm survivors to request free legal assistance, and to provide volunteer attorneys to handle
cases arising from recent storm damage.
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division – The ABA YLD, the largest national
organization of young lawyers, provides leadership in serving the public and the profession, and
promotes excellence and fulfillment in the practice of law. Its parent organization, the ABA, is
the national voice of the legal profession and the largest voluntary professional membership
group in the world.
Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role
in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all
domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. Through an
agreement with the American Bar Association, FEMA underwrites the cost of operating toll free
legal assistance lines for survivors in areas designated as federal disaster sites.
The Missouri Bar – The Missouri Bar is the statewide organization of all Missouri’s 30,000
lawyers. Its purpose is to improve the law, the administration of justice and the legal profession
on behalf of the public. Through educational programs, publications and a wide range of
services, The Missouri Bar serves as a valuable resource for members—and for the citizens of
Missouri. Its Young Lawyers’ Section, comprised of lawyers in their first five years of practice
or under 36 years of age, is dedicated to serving the public and the profession as the “service arm
of the bar.”
Page 58 of 78
________________________________________________
Contact: Lise Bang-Jensen
New York State Bar Association
(518) 487-5530
Contact: [email protected]
Alena Shautsova
ABA YLD NY District Representative
[email protected]
ABA AND FEMA PARTNER WITH NY STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
ON FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANE SANDY SURVIVORS
An existing toll-free hotline created earlier this month by the New York State Bar Association
for survivors of recent hurricane Sandy in New York is being bolstered by a partnership with
the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
Homeowners and tenants facing legal issues may call 1-800-699-5636 to request
assistance. Callers should say that they are seeking storm-related legal assistance, and should
identify the county in which they are located. They will be matched with New York lawyers
who have volunteered to provide at least 30 minutes of free legal consultation.
The type of legal assistance available includes:






Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster
survivors;
Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims;
Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster;
Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures;
Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems; and
Counseling on landlord/tenant problems.
Background
Page 59 of 78
When the U.S. President declares a major disaster, FEMA, in cooperation with the American Bar
Association Young Lawyers Division, establishes a toll-free number for disaster survivors to
request legal assistance. Funding for the toll-free line comes from FEMA under the authority of
Section 415 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law
100-707). The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division in turn joins with state bar
associations and other legal organizations to recruit volunteer lawyers in affected areas to
handle survivors’ cases. In this instance, there will be no additional expense for the federal
government, because the State Bar Association if offering use of its existing toll-free line.
Hurricane Sandy survivors should be aware that there are some limitations on disaster legal
services. For example, assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., those
cases where attorneys are paid part of the settlement by the court). Such cases are referred to a
local lawyer referral service. To determine whether an issue qualifies for free legal assistance,
individuals should call 1-800-699-5636.
Partnership Members
The following organizations have joined forces to support a toll-free phone line for New York
storm survivors to request free legal assistance, and to provide volunteer attorneys to handle
cases arising from recent storm damage.
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division – The ABA YLD, the largest national
organization of young lawyers, provides leadership in serving the public and the profession,
and promotes excellence and fulfillment in the practice of law. Its parent organization, the
ABA, is the national voice of the legal profession and the largest voluntary professional
membership group in the world.
Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in
preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all
domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
The New York State Bar Association – The NYSBA, which has 77,000 members, is the nation’s
largest voluntary state bar association. Its Lawyer Referral and Information Service and its
Young Lawyers Section has been offering free legal consultation to flood survivors since early
September. The section is comprised of lawyers in their first ten years of practice or under 37
years of age.
Page 60 of 78
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
_____________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Stacey Shrader
Media Relations Coordinator
Tennessee Bar Association
(615) 383-7421 / (800) 899-6993
[email protected]
Tennessee Bar Center
221 Fourth Avenue N.
Suite 400
Nashville, TN 37219
Free Legal Assistance Available for Tornado Victims
Partnership between Tennessee legal organizations, ABA and FEMA helps residents
NASHVILLE, Feb. 26, 2008 — A toll-free legal aid line is now available for victims of recent
tornadoes in Tennessee. The service, which allows callers to request the assistance of a lawyer, is a
partnership between the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, three local legal aid organizations (the
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services and West
Tennessee Legal Services Inc.), the Tennessee Bar Association and its Young Lawyers Division, the
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Victims facing legal issues who are unable to afford a lawyer may call (877) 396-6248 between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m. central time Monday through Friday to request assistance. Messages can be left at any time.
Callers should identify that they are seeking tornado-related legal assistance. Victims who qualify for
assistance will be matched with Tennessee lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.
The type of legal assistance available includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster victims
Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
Help with home repair contracts and contractors
Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
Counseling on landlord/tenant problems
Background
When the U.S. President declares a major disaster, FEMA, in cooperation with the American Bar
Association Young Lawyers Division, establishes a toll-free number for disaster victims to request
legal assistance. Funding for the toll-free line comes from FEMA under the authority of Section 415 of
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 100-707). The
Page 61 of 78
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division in turn partners with state bar associations and
other legal organizations to recruit volunteer lawyers in affected areas to handle victims’ cases.
Victims should be aware that there are some limitations on disaster legal services. For example,
assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., those cases where attorneys are paid
part of the settlement by the court). Such cases are referred to a local lawyer referral service. To
determine whether an issue qualifies for free legal assistance, individuals should call (877) 396-6248
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time Monday through Friday for more information.
Local Press Contacts
For more information about disaster legal aid in specific areas of the state, please contact:
Davidson, Hickman, Houston, Lewis, Macon, Montgomery, Perry, Sumner, Trousdale and
Williamson counties:
Lucinda Smith , Director
Jim Hawkins, Managing Attorney
Nashville Bar Pro Bono Program
Legal Aid Society, Gallatin Office
(615) 780-7127
(615) 451-1880
[email protected]
[email protected]
Shelby and Fayette counties
Linda Warren Seely
Director of Pro Bono Programs
Memphis Area Legal Services
(901) 476-1808
[email protected]
Benton, Hardin, Haywood, Madison and McNairy counties
Steve Xanthopoulos
Executive Director
West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc.
(731) 423-0616
[email protected]
Partnership Members
The following organizations have joined forces to establish a toll-free phone line for Tennessee storm
victims to request free legal assistance, and to provide volunteer attorneys to handle cases arising from
recent storm damage.
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division – The ABA YLD, the largest national
organization of young lawyers, provides leadership in serving the public and the profession, and
promotes excellence and fulfillment in the practice of law. Its parent organization, the ABA, is the
national voice of the legal profession and the largest voluntary professional membership group in the
world.
Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in
preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic
disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. Through an agreement with the
Page 62 of 78
American Bar Association, FEMA underwrites the cost of operating toll free legal assistance lines for
victims in areas designated as federal disaster sites.
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands – LAS was founded in 1968 as Legal
Services of Nashville by eight members of the Nashville Bar Association. It has since expanded and
consolidated with other organizations to help low-income people in 48 counties through eight offices.
The organization focuses on individual cases and community education, and serves over 7,000 people
each year. Legal Aid Society's mission is to enforce, advance and defend the legal rights of lowincome and vulnerable families in order to obtain for them the basic necessities of life. The Legal Aid
Society also houses and directs the Nashville Bar Association Pro Bono Program, many of whose
members also will be available to provide legal help to disaster victims.
Memphis Area Legal Services – Since 1970, MALS has been committed to equal justice for all
people, helping children, families and individuals solve problems that affect their basic needs. MALS
serves nearly 8,000 people in distress each year. Its service area includes Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby
and Tipton counties.
Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services – TALS is a statewide non-profit organization that seeks to
build partnerships to support the delivery of effective civil legal services to low-income and elderly
Tennesseans. TALS is committed to increasing equal access to justice across Tennessee.
Tennessee Bar Association – The TBA is the largest professional association in Tennessee with
nearly 10,000 members. Founded in 1881, the TBA provides opportunities for continuing legal
education, professional development and public service. The TBA's dedication to serving the state's
legal community is evidenced by its membership roll, which represents the entire spectrum of legal
practice: plaintiff and defense lawyers, corporate counsel, judges, prosecutors, public defenders,
government lawyers and legal services attorneys. Its Young Lawyers Division, comprised of lawyers
in their first five years of practice or under 36 years of age, is dedicated to serving the public and the
profession as the “service arm of the bar.”
West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. – WTLS is a non-profit organization that provides assistance in
civil cases to individuals, families and communities. It services 17 West Tennessee counties including
Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Dyer, Decatur, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henry,
Henderson, Lake, McNairy, Madison, Obion and Weakley.
Page 63 of 78
Declared: April 29, 2014
SUMMARY
STATE:
Arkansas
NUMBER:
FEMA-4174-DR
INCIDENT:
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
INCIDENT PERIOD:
April 27, 2014
DATE REQUESTED BY GOVERNOR:
April 28, 2014
FEDERAL COORDINATING OFFICER:
Timothy J. Scranton
National FCO Program
DESIGNATIONS AND TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
(Assistance to individuals and households):
Faulkner County.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
disaster-damaged facilities):
(Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of
Faulkner County for debris removal and emergency protective measures
(Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, under the
Public Assistance program.
HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM
(Assistance for actions taken to prevent or
reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards):
All counties in the State of Arkansas are eligible to apply for assistance
under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
OTHER:
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and
warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Page 64 of 78
FEMA LETTER OF INTENT
Page 65 of 78
FEMA PURCHASE ORDER
Page 66 of 78
Page 67 of 78
Qualtrics Survey Software
Page 1 of 2
Default Question Block
Name of person submitting this form?


What state are you reporting from?

What is your Disaster Legal Services FEMA disaster number? (Example: 4177 - FL)


What is the nature of your disaster? (ie. Flood/Mudslide/Tornado)


When was your hotline established?


Has the hotline closed?
Yes
No
Which week are you reporting? ("Week 1" since hot-line implementation)


Did you receive any calls for this week?
Yes
No
Please break out the number of cases by topic.
To Complete an Electronic Survey: https://americanbar.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_09Ao31KeTXmF76J
Page 68 of 78
https://americanbar.qualtrics.com/ControlPanel/Ajax.php?action=GetSurveyPrintPreview...
6/20/2014
Qualtrics Survey Software
Page 2 of 2
Bankruptcy
0
Civil Rights
0
Contract/Contractor Issues
0
Criminal
0
Employment
0
Family
0
Federal Assistance
0
FEMA
0
Immigration
0
Insurance
0
Landlord Tenant
0
Other
0
Real Estate/Mortgage
0
Succession/Wills/Power of Attorney
0
Total
0
What is the number of state licensed volunteers?


Page 69 of 78
https://americanbar.qualtrics.com/ControlPanel/Ajax.php?action=GetSurveyPrintPreview...
6/20/2014
INSTRUCTIONS TO DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE
Please use this letter template to introduce yourself and the Disaster Legal Services program to
the State Bar President(s) of the jurisdiction(s) you cover, your local bar association president,
and the director of your local legal aid group. Please feel free to expand this list to include the
many different local bar associations and legal aid groups that your jurisdiction covers.
Communicating with these individuals before a disaster hits is an essential part of disaster
planning and preparation. You may find that developing relationships with these individuals
now will make implementing a DLS operation much easier and smoother, when and if it is
requested, rather than trying to build a relationship in the aftermath of a disaster. Please use
your ABA District Representative letterhead for this letter and make changes as necessary.
Page 70 of 78
ABA Young Lawyers Division
2014 – 2015 Disaster Legal Service Roster
Director, Disaster Legal Services
YLD, Administrative Director
Nguyen, David Hoa K.
Hrelic, Dana
P.O. Box 741
Indianapolis, IN 46202
P: (317) 361-4700
E: [email protected]
YLD, Vice Directors, Disaster Legal Services Program
Ellard, Wendy
Horton, Shield & Knox, P.C.
90 Gillett Street
Hartford, CT 06105
P: (860) 522-8338
E: [email protected]
Staff
Graham, Alia S.
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
4268 I-55 North Meadowbrook Office Park
Jackson, MS 39211
P: (601) 969-4681
E: [email protected]
Program Associate
Young Lawyers Division
P: (312) 988-5671
E: [email protected]
Goins, Kimberly A.
Jones, William
Hire Counsel Contract Attorney
33 E. 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
P: (615) 310-4383
E: [email protected]
Horn, Jamin
Methven & Associates PC
2232 Sixth Street
Oakland, CA 94701
P: (510) 649-4019
E: [email protected]
Vlasman, Matthew
Matushek, Nilles & Sinars, L.L.C.
55 West Monroe, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60603
P: (312) 750-1215
E: [email protected]
Information Coordinator
ABA Center for Pro Bono
P: (312) 988-5789
E: [email protected]
Pilchen, Ira
Manager, Communication Services
Press Release Review
Communications and Media Relations Division
P: (312) 988-5743
E: [email protected]
Zalenski, Cheryl
Director
ABA Center for Pro Bono
P: (312) 988-5770
E: [email protected]
Page 71 of 78
ABA Young Lawyer Division
2014 – 2015 District Representative Roster
First District Representative - ME & VT
Second District Representative - CT & RI
Libby, O'Brien, Kingsley & Champion LLC
62 Portland Road #17
Kennebunk, ME 04043
P: (207) 985-1815
E: [email protected]
Salter McGowan Sylvia & Leonard, Inc.
321 South Main St. Ste 301
Providence, RI 0293
P: (401) 274-0300
E: [email protected]
Third District Representative - MA & NH
Fourth District Representative - NY
Artifex Legal
13110 Inwood Drive
Woburn, MA 01801
P: (701) 640-2469
E: [email protected]
Robert Half Legal
125 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
P: (718) 772-4351
E: [email protected]
Tara Rich
Micah Ascano
Fifth District Representative - PA
Alexander F. Guminski
Alexander F. Guminski, Attorney at Law
428 Forbes Avenue, Suite 1601
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
P: (412) 983-6699
E: [email protected]
Seventh District Representative - DC & DE
Cristen Ciresi
Swetal Shaw
Sixth District Representative - NJ
Nicole O'Hara
Gross McGinley, LLP
33 South 7th Street
PO Box 4060
Allentown, PA 18105
P: (610) 871-1326
E: [email protected]
Eighth District Representative - MD & VA
Amanda Walker
Mason McNulty Hubbard
DLA Piper LLP
500 Eighth Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
P: (202) 799-4527
E: [email protected]
Hunton & Williams LLP
Riverfront Plaza, East Tower
951 East Byrd Street
Richmond, VA 23219
P: (804) 788-7213
E: [email protected]
Ninth District Representative - NC
Tenth District Representative - SC & US VI
Moore & Van Allen, PLLC
100 N. Tryon Street, Suite 4700
Charlotte, NC 28202
P: (704) 313-3657
E: [email protected]
BoltNagi PC
5600 Royal Dane Mall, Suite 21
St. Thomas, VI 00802
P: (340) 774-2944
E: [email protected]
M. Cabell Clay
Steven Hardy
Page 72 of 78
Eleventh District Representative - FL
Twelfth District Representative - AL & GA
Bush Ross, P.A.
1801 N. Highland Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
P: (813) 204-6438
E: [email protected]
The Law Firm of Heather Hale, P.C.
3520 Atlanta Avenue, Unit 102
Hapeville, GA 30354
P: (404) 219-3457
E: [email protected]
Thirteenth District Representative - MS
Fourteenth District Representative - LA
Markow Walker P.A.
2113 Government Street, Bldg M
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
P: (228) 872-1923
E: [email protected]
Fitzgerald & Brown, LLC
630 North Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
P: (504) 564-7677
E: [email protected]
Fiftenth District Representative - IL & IN
Sixteenth District Representative - TN & KY
Ciobanu Law PC
8910 Purdue Road, Suite 240
Indianapolis, IN 46240
P: (317) 695-0382
E: [email protected]
Lewis, King, Krieg & Waldrop
424 Church Street, Suite 2500
Nashville, TN 37219
P: (615) 259-1366
E: [email protected]
Seventeenth District Representative - WI & MN
Eighteenth District Representative - OH & WV
Westman, Champlin & Koehler, P.A.
900 Second Avenue South, Suite 1400
Minneapolis, MN 55402
P: (612) 330-0585
E: [email protected]
Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC
P.O. Box 165028
Columbus, OH 43216
P: (614) 754-2884
E: [email protected]
Nineteenth District Representative - IA & NE
Twentieth District Representative - MI
Lauren Pilkington
Jeremy Thomas England
Andrea Ciobanu
Donika Pentcheva
Scott Hall
Carney and Appleby
303 Locust Street, Suite 400
Des Moines, IA 50309
P: (515) 282-6803
E: [email protected]
Heather Hale
Cristin Fitzgerald
Mary Beth Haltom
Andrew Clark
Shenique Moss
Michigan Department of Attorney General
525 West Ottawa Street, 2nd Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
P: (517) 373-1130
E: [email protected]
Page 73 of 78
Twenty-First District Representative - ND & SD
Twenty-Second District Representative - KS & MO
Elsberry & Shively, P.C.
103 South 3rd Street, Suite 9
Bismarck, ND 58501\
P: (701) 557-3384
E: [email protected]
Cavanaugh & Lemon, P.A.
2942A SW Wanamaker Drive, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66614
P: (785) 440-4000
E: [email protected]
Twenty-Third District Representative - AZ & NM
Twenty-Fourth District Representative - OK & AR
Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
400 E Van Buren St #1900
Phoenix, AZ 85004-2202
P: (602) 382-6390
E: [email protected]
State of Arkansas
102 S. Main Street
Benton, AR 72015
P: (505) 315-7767
E: [email protected]
Twenty-Fifth District Representative - SOUTH/CENTRAL TX
Twenty-Sixth District Representative - NORTH/WEST TX
Norton Rose Fulbright
98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 2800
Austin TX 78735
P: (512) 536-2422
E: [email protected]
Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller LLP
420 Commerce St. Ste 500
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
P: (817) 877-8146
E: [email protected]
Twenty-Seventh District Representative - UT & NV
Twenty Eighth District Representative - CO & WY
Leverty & Associates Law Chtd
832 Willow Street
Reno, NV 89502
P: (775) 322-6636
E: [email protected]
Traylor, Tompkins & Black, P.C.
751 Horizon Court, Suite 200
Grand Junction, CO 81506
P: (970) 242-2636
E: [email protected]
Twenty-Ninth District Representative - WA & OR
Thirtieth District Representative - MT & ID
Erica Shively
Joy Isaacs
Brandon Crisp
Jess P. Rinehart
Jacob R. Brennan
Etter, McMahon, Lamberson, Clary & Oreskovich, PC
618 W. Riverside Avenue
Suite 210
Spokane, WA 99201
P: (509) 747-9100
E: [email protected]
Vincent Cox
Brian Clary
Travis Patterson
Lance Timbreza
Eli Patten
Crowley Fleck PLLP
490 N. 31st, Suite 500
Billings, MT 59101
P: (406) 252-3441
E: [email protected]
Page 74 of 78
Thirty-First District Representative - NORTH CA
Thirty Second District Representative - SOUTH CA
Fox & Bank LLP
1333 N. California Blvd, Suite 555
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
P: (925) 933-9000
E: [email protected]
Dion Law Office
660 Hampshire Rd., Suite 216
Westlake Village, CA 91361
P: (805) 497-7474
E: [email protected]
Thirty Third District Representative - AK & HI
Thirty Fourth District Representative - FED & MIL BAR
Alaska Court System
825 W. 4th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
P: (907) 264-0687
E: [email protected]
U.S. Air Force JAG Corps.
215 Page Road, Ste. 186
Robins AFB, GA 31098
P: (487) 222-0550
E: [email protected]
Vanessa Elaine Candelaria
Helen Poitra-Chalmers
Kathryn Clunen
Joshua Roman
Page 75 of 78
FEMA –IA:
FEMA HQ and Regional Contact List
Headquarters Human Services
Tony Hake, Branch Chief
[email protected]
(202) 646-3428
Headquarters
Community Services Section
CCP/DUA/DLS Program
Randy Kinder, Section Chief
Naomi Johnson, Program Lead
Tanya Stevenson
Joy Falzarano
Juanita Cisneros
Ina Chan
Becky Szymcik, IABD
Elizabeth (Eli) Rosario
Albert Ferri
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
202-646-4132
202-646-1905
202-212-5719
202-
Kelly Jo Rivas
[email protected]
Elizabeth (Liz) Fuhrman
[email protected]
Eileen Feikert, IABD
[email protected]
202-212-1098
617-956-7565
617-447-0488
617-956-7603
857-294-1896
617-832-4737
617-816-6839
617-956-7612
617-320-9636
212-680-3674
Michael Senycz, IABD
Maria Arena
[email protected]
[email protected]
215-931-5632
215-931-5648
Jackie Reginello, IABD
Tarsha Monk
Chris Perez
Sam Lockey
Jon Arno
Hugh Dash
Jan Riddle
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
770-220-5255
770-220-5613
770-220-5215
770-220-5330
770-220-5620
770-220-5310
770-220-5646
Region 1
Rhode Island
Vermont
New Hampshire
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
Region 2
New York, New Jersey, Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico and the Territory of U.S. Virgin Island
Region 3
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
Region 4
Florida
Kentucky
South Carolina
Alabama
Georgia
Tennessee
Page 76 of 78
North Carolina
Gerald Collins
[email protected]
770-220-5654
FEMA –IA: CCP, DUA, DLS
Mississippi
Region 5
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and
Wisconsin
Regional Contact List
Pam Ross
Colleen Finkl, IABD
Jean McGhee(Primary)
Carolyn Robinson-Tucker
(Secondary)
Mark Price, IABD
Don Baggett
Duke Mazurek
Candy Newman, IABD
Marlee Carroll
Martin McNeese, IABD
George Betz (primary)
Jennifer Voorhies (secondary)
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
770-220-5619
312-408-5216
312-408-5554
312-408-4409
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
940-898-5141
940-898-5150
940-898-5462
816-283-7038
816-283-7019
303-235-4897
303-242-1015
303-681-5156
Region 9
Arizona, California , Hawaii, Nevada, the
Territory of American Samoa, Territory of Guam,
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
Region 10
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington
Pacific
Stephen C. Miller, IABD
Clara Feldberg
[email protected]
[email protected]
510-627-7049
Christina Grant, IABD
Gail Haubrich (Lead)
Marilyn Shigetani (Acting)
[email protected]
425-487-4742
425-487-4783
808-551-7909
Caribbean
Alejandro De La Campa
Jose Rodriquez I
[email protected]
Region 6
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and
Texas
Region 7
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska
Region 8
Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming
Page 77 of 78
[email protected]
510-627-7254
787-295-3615
787-296-3515
DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES
Eligible expenses are as outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Bar Association Young Lawyers
Division. Any necessary expenses not outlined in the MOA must be preapproved in writing.
The expenses submitted must be within the term dates and the amount outlined in the FEMA
purchase order and/or any subsequent amendments. Preapproval in writing via an amendment
is required if services need to extend beyond the purchase order terms.
1. Expenses should be submitted to the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division
at the conclusion of each disaster.
2. Reimbursement requests must include:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
An itemized invoice from the person or organization (on letterhead)
Original receipts for all expenses
A copy of the FEMA purchase order and amendments, if any
Preapproved emails obtained for any questionable expenses
ABA issued New Vendor Forms, generally issued by the YLD staff.
3. Received invoices are forwarded to FEMA for review and approval. You will be
informed in advance if there are questions and/or adjustments.
4. Approved expenses will be funded from FEMA to the ABA YLD via wire transfer.
5. Payment will be remitted to the person or organization incurring the expenses.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the process, please contact Alia S. Graham at
312.988.5671 or via email at [email protected].
Page 78 of 78

FEMA Continues to Monitor Severe Winter Weather

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