In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, many people in Central and Southwest Florida need simple legal advice about how to get their life back in order, so The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Disaster Legal Services Hotline is in operation.
Attorney volunteers are needed to answer questions from hurricane victims on a pro bono basis. Guidance is needed to assist in navigating recovery options available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other organizations.
The Florida Bar YLD, in conjunction with the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and FEMA, manages the hotline. All Florida Bar members eligible to practice may volunteer to provide basic civil legal services for people who cannot otherwise afford legal representation in non-fee generating cases.
Volunteers assist by returning calls received by the hotline or by FEMA centers in affected areas.
To volunteer you must have a basic understanding of common problems experienced by disaster victims. The legal questions most frequently asked as related to hurricane disasters involve landlord/tenant and other housing problems, consumer protection matters and home repair contracts.
Visit https://flayld.org/disaster-legal-services-hotline/ for more details and the registration form or to download the Disaster Assistance Training Manual.