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probono.net/la library of resources.
▪ Coordinate the statewide legal services disaster response plan;
o Successfully tested new disaster response plan during
Hurricane Barry.
o The Disaster Preparedness and Response subcommittee has
met since March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
bringing together Justice Community members to provide a
coordinated response.
o In response to Hurricane Laura, the subcommittee again
implemented the Statewide Disaster Plan for Legal Assistance.
LA Appleseed completed the update of the disaster training
manual for volunteers. The 1-800-310-7029 disaster hotline
was activated and provides a recorded message providing
referral information. In addition, the LSBA Disaster Response
website was activated providing vital legal information and
volunteer opportunities for attorneys. Free legal answers has
become an integral component of disaster response.
o The ATJ Disaster Response subcommittee also met regularly
after Hurricanes Delta and Zeta.
o The current disaster plan is under review and being updated to
address the new issue that arose during the pandemic.
▪ Identify and assess current substantive legal issues faced by civil legal
aid providers; and
o Coordinate substantive law task forces (CINC, Elder Law,
Family Law, Housing and Consumer Law, Public Benefits)
● Coordinate and convene quarterly meetings for the 5
statewide substantive law task forces to discuss
common issues faced and training needs. Work with
each Task Force to host practice area specific training
annually at LA Justice Community Conference.
● Ongoing development of substantive law trainings with
task forces for the substantive law recorded training
series geared towards new attorneys.
o Investigate IFP issues
• Surveyed the legal providers regarding common issues
faced with misapplication of IFP statutes and used
research to substantiate LSLI request to examine.
• With approval of BOG was able to get Louisiana
Legislature (House and Senate) to adopt resolutions
requesting LSLI to examine current IFP statutes.

• ATJ Commission members will participate in Louisiana

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