Page 96 - 2020OctoberBOG
P. 96
affected by the storm, instead of in-person volunteers. As the subcommittee has expanded to
unite responders, we were happy to include FEMA and Red Cross representatives. Lagniappe
Law Lab created a free text service that provides valuable legal information related to the
aftermath of Hurricane Laura. Hurricane survivors can simply text “subscribe” to 318-405-
4185 in order to sign up for the Disaster Legal Tip Line.
Finally, the subcommittee is also monitoring the situation with Hurricane Delta and will likely
meet in its aftermath.
Other Access to Justice Department Projects:
ATJ Developing Leadership Intern Program goes remote during COVID-19.
Rachael Mills, Staff Counsel
th
This year’s ATJ Internship program ended on Friday, June 19 . Due to the pandemic, the
program was held entirely online. Instead of shadowing legal aid attorneys in person, this
year’s interns completed projects often related to the pandemic for the participating
organizations. Interns worked remotely for Lagniappe Law Lab, Louisiana Appleseed,
Southeast LA Legal Services, the Parole Project, and The Pro Bono Project of New Orleans.
In addition, the interns were able to spend a day in Judge Woodruff-White’s virtual courtroom
in the Family Court of East Baton Rouge and attend an ATJ Commission meeting. Once again
Adams and Reese, LLP, Baker Donelson, Entergy Services, LLC, and Phelps Dunbar, LLP
returned as sponsors this year. This year’s interns were Carly Jonakin (Loyola Law School),
Chance Carter (LSU), Emily Ketterer (Tulane), and Tiberlee Barnum (SULC).
Legal Innovators for Tomorrow (LIFT) attorneys continue to assist disaster survivors
and domestic violence survivors.
Amy Duncan, Staff Counsel
The inaugural class of attorney participants in the LIFT Legal Incubator Flood Proof Project
completed the program at the end of September. The Flood Proof Project is designed to address
the legal needs of disaster victims after the catastrophic flooding in Baton Rouge in 2016. After
collectively providing more than 500 pro bono hours and developing their solo and small law
firms over an eighteen-month period, Cory Alford, Cherita McNeal, and Tiffany Monroe have
created sustainable law practices. In addition to providing pro bono representation to disaster
survivors, the graduating fellows “paid it forward” by mentoring the new class of participants,
who started in March 2020. LIFT continues to work with four participating attorneys through
its Domestic Violence Project in New Orleans and the Flood Proof Project in Baton Rouge.
Although the pandemic has greatly affected their practices and ability to meet with clients, they
have already dedicated 300 hours to pro bono representation and solo practice development.
LIFT continues to work closely with its partner organizations, including New Orleans Family
Justice Center, SLLS, SULC, LSU Law School, the ABA Center for Innovation, to innovate
and adapt the program to better support the attorneys in light of today’s challenges. The Flood
Proof Project is made possible through funding support provided by the Louisiana Bar
Foundation. Information about both programs is available at www.lsba.org/lift
“Lawyers in AND Libraries” Statewide Week of Service continues virtually.
Stephanie Beaugh, Staff Counsel
th
The 7 annual Lawyers in Libraries event will be held in conjunction with National Celebrate
Pro Week, October 26-31st. In response to the pandemic, we will host “Lawyers AND