Florida Bar's Young Lawyers Division Coordinates Aid To Hurricane Victims
Release Date: October 29, 2004
Release Number: 1539-243
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Florida’s young lawyers have been offering free help to victims of recent hurricanes in settling numerous legal problems resulting from the storms.
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Young Lawyers Division, Florida’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requested assistance from the Florida Bar to aid hurricane victims who lack the resources to hire an attorney. As it has in the past, the Bar agreed and has been providing critical aid.
People affected by the hurricanes may seek information and assistance at no cost to themselves on matters such as flood insurance claims, home repair contracts, consumer protection, landlord-tenant concerns, mortgage foreclosure, debt collection problems, and labor or employment problems. Advice or referrals are also provided for replacing wills, powers of attorney, and other important legal documents damaged or lost in a flood.
Michael Faehner, president of the Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division, said his association has “an extensive plan in place with many different programs” including a toll-free number for persons needing help. That number is 1-866-550-2929. He said the group has been receiving nearly 250 calls a day.
The lawyers are working in all major areas of the state where Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne struck during the past three months. Working along with the Young Lawyers Division are Florida Legal Services and a number of voluntary bar associations. In addition to assisting those who call in on the toll-free line, lawyers are working at a number of FEMA and SERT Disaster Recovery Centers.
Mark Arnold, Florida’s district representative of the ABA’s Young Lawyers Division, added “The response from Florida lawyers makes me proud to be a Florida lawyer. Lawyers of all ages have volunteered to help the victims from around the state.”
He said that lawyers responding to phone calls ascertain the caller’s problem, then match them with a lawyer who has legal skills in that area of practice. To date, more than 5,000 calls have been received.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 01-Nov-2004 16:51:24