Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative seeks lawyer volunteers

The Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative is looking for attorneys to volunteer and advise victims of recent floods and storms throughout California on a variety of legal issues through an online service.

Legal Access Alameda is the lead agency of the coalition, which includes a variety of nonprofit organizations, legal aid organizations, government entities and law firms in California working together to offer free services to communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Founded two years ago to assist with disaster recovery amid the dual crises of COVID-19 and devastating wildfires, California Free Legal Answers needs additional volunteers.

The website offers flexibility to contribute time pro bono through a platform developed by the American Bar Association. Volunteers can log on at their convenience and select questions asked by those who have suffered setbacks due to disasters, a news release stated.

People whose homes or rental units were destroyed or damaged in recent storms, particularly from the 13 federally declared counties, can find help with insurance claims, tenant rights and FEMA benefits as floodwaters recede and communities start to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by mudslides and wind-fallen trees.

Visit https://ca.freelegalanswers.org/Attorneys/Account/Requirements to find out more about becoming a volunteer.

Online training videos are available for volunteer attorneys, and clients who pose questions receive responses through the platform. Clients do not receive the name of the volunteer or the volunteer’s firm.