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The ATJ Committee’s Disaster Response Subcommittee has been active since the beginning
of March 2020 when the pandemic began. The Subcommittee coordinates the ABA/YLD
Disaster response hotline, maintains a disaster manual for attorney volunteers, and provides an
avenue of communication for all parties involved in disaster response.

COVID-19 provided a disaster challenge unlike before, requiring a response unique to those
established after a natural disaster such as a hurricane. The Federal Declaration of Disaster for
COVID-19 did not include legal services, meaning that the ABA/YLD hotline was not
activated in response to the pandemic. Instead, the subcommittee acted as a line of
communication for legal services and pro bono providers, who established outreach efforts
related to legal issues surrounding the pandemic, such as evictions, employment issues, and
domestic violence issues.

Hurricanes Laura & Delta
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The ABA/YLD hotline was activated on September 7 following the Declaration of Disaster
related to Hurricane Laura and continued its operation after Hurricane Delta. The hotline
currently provides a recorded message referring callers to Acadiana Legal Service Corporation
as well as the LSBA Find Legal Help Page for legal assistance and information. The LSBA’s
Disaster Response site (www.lsba.org/dr) was activated as well, providing a resource for
attorneys affected by the storm and those wanting to volunteer. To encourage attorney
volunteers, a FEMA appeals training was hosted by Southeast Louisiana Legal Services staff.
LSBA staff facilitated and recorded the training for further use.

The pandemic affected Hurricane Laura & Delta relief efforts as the subcommittee shifted to
comply with COVID restrictions, which prevented the opening of disaster response centers
(DRCs). Instead, evacuees and those displaced have been sheltered in hotels. The
subcommittee has coordinated with FEMA and Red Cross workers to provide flyers and virtual
outreach to those 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 to sign up for the Disaster Legal Tip Line.

Other Access to Justice Department Projects:

ATJ Developing Leadership Intern Program seeking two additional sponsors
Rachael Mills, Staff Counsel
The ATJ Developing Leadership Intern Program is seeking two additional sponsors for the
2022 year. The ATJ Developing Leadership Intern Program is a unique experience for 1Ls,
where students are sponsored by firms/organizations and spend their time with numerous civil
legal aid programs in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Unfortunately, the 2021 program will
only be able to offer internships to two students this Spring due to the loss of sponsors. Those
two students for 2021 will be sponsored by Phelps Dunbar, LLP and Entergy, Inc. and attend
Tulane Law School and Southern University Law Center. If your firm or organization is
interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2022 internship, please contact Rachael Mills,
rachael.mills@lsba.org or 504-619-0104.