Efforts are underway to provide legal assistance to the victims of recent hurricanes which struck Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as persons affected by the major earthquake that struck Mexico.

The American Bar Association, among its other efforts, has been working closely with the Louisiana Civil Justice Center (LCJC) to create a hotline that can provide needed information and services through pro bono volunteers. LCJC has long experience in providing disaster legal services to callers. Because there is such severe devastation on those islands, local lawyers will probably not be able to provide sufficient pro bono service to meet the growing need for legal help. Therefore:

1. Lawyers who are active members of the USVI or Puerto Rico bars are urged to sign up to accept referrals of pro bono cases from the LCJC.
        
2. Lawyers who are not licensed in USVI or Puerto Rico can also assist, by providing legal research or assistance with federal/administrative law questions.

Pennsylvania lawyers who are willing to provide legal research or assistance with federal/administrative law questions to Hurricane Maria victims are encouraged to complete the ABA Disaster Legal Service Volunteer Attorney Intake Form, which is online, in English and Spanish, at https://goo.gl/forms/yDYzE3h3NoFAQcfm1.

Pennsylvania Bar Association President Sharon R. López is also urging support for the Puerto Rican Bar Association’s Hurricane Maria relief effort, as well as earthquake relief efforts in Mexico and she has issued this letter urging Pennsylvania attorneys to support the efforts. The Hurricane Maria Emergency Legal Aid Fund of the Fundación Fondo de Acceso a la Justicia of Puerto Rico is also requesting donations.

López is also encouraging contributions to legal aid organizations in Texas and Louisiana for Hurricane Harvey relief. Read the letter.