Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division launches disaster relief hotline
All Florida Bar members eligible to practice are invited to participate and lend their support during this critical time. Interested volunteers can sign up via a dedicated form and are encouraged to review the 'Disaster Assistance Manual for Legal Services Advocates,' which outlines essential information for assisting victims and navigating recovery options through FEMA and other organizations.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, in partnership with the ABA Young Lawyers Section and FEMA, has opened its Disaster Relief Hotline to provide essential legal assistance to Floridians affected by the storm.
The hotline aims to connect volunteer attorneys with those who cannot afford legal representation for non-fee generating cases, particularly in the wake of such devastating events.
All Florida Bar members eligible to practice are invited to participate and lend their support during this critical time. Interested volunteers can sign up via a dedicated form and are encouraged to review the “Disaster Assistance Manual for Legal Services Advocates,” which outlines essential information for assisting victims and navigating recovery options through FEMA and other organizations.
YLD President Ashlea A. Edwards says the guidance provided by volunteer attorneys is invaluable for those trying to navigate the complexities of disaster recovery. She said “it’s a small service” that can have a “huge impact” on the lives of those affected.
Volunteers can help by answering calls directed to the YLD’s 1-800 hotline (833-514-2940) or by providing support at FEMA centers. A basic understanding of common legal issues faced by disaster victims — such as landlord/tenant disputes, housing problems, consumer protection issues, and home repair contracts — is essential for those who wish to volunteer.
Ashlea Edwards: “Serving those in need, at a time when they need it the most, is a fundamental part of our role and commitment to the public. We appreciate your willingness to serve and thank you for your time.”
Edwards said concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest in representing disaster survivors have been addressed by the Florida Supreme Court’s adoption of Rule 4-6.6 in 2017, which eases the application of conflict-of-interest rules in federally declared disaster situations. However, volunteers are advised to conduct a full conflict-of-interest check if they decide to take on a case.
“Serving those in need, at a time when they need it the most, is a fundamental part of our role and commitment to the public,” Edwards said. “We appreciate your willingness to serve and thank you for your time.”
For more information on how to volunteer or access the Disaster Assistance Manual, visit The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division’s website. Edwards said your involvement can make a significant difference in the recovery journey of those affected by Hurricane Helene.
The Florida Bar’s Hurricane Information Page is also updated regularly with essential resources, including information on legal assistance for both the public and the state’s lawyers. Resources in addition to the YLD Disaster Legal Services Hotline include:
- Florida Free Legal Answers, an advice clinic that matches low-income Floridians with licensed attorneys who can answer basic legal questions online.
- Legal Aid Assistance, which provides civil legal assistance for Floridians.
- Mass Disaster Consumer Pamphlet, providing guidance on who to contact for legal assistance and how to protect their legal rights during and after a mass disaster.
- Information for consumers on who to contact about price gouging, unlawful solicitations, unlicensed practice of law, and legal complaints.
“The Bar is here to serve as a safeguard, ensuring that residents receive the ethical legal support they need to recover from the impacts of this storm,” Bar President Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr., said.
