Disaster Resources for Attorneys
Free CLE Opportunities
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Online Class: Benefits and Challenges of Invoking Force Majeure Clauses in the Age of the Coronavirus, MCLE credit: 1 hour
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Online class: Dealing with Claims Arising from Freezes/Power Outages & Broken Pipes, MCLE credit: 1 hour
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Online class: How Lawyers Can Recover from Survival Mode, MCLE credit: .75 hour
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Online class: Just Ask: How We Must Stop Minding Our Own Business in the Legal World (Suicide & Depression Prevention Essentials), MCLE credit: 1 hour
Free Resources
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State Bar of Texas Disaster Manual — This manual is used as a reference when handling issues that frequently arise during disasters – from giving quick advice and limited scope services to handling an entire case. The manual is reviewed annually and updated to reflect current law and relevant disaster information.
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The National Disaster Legal Aid Advocacy Center’s: 25 Pro Tips for Working with FEMA: Lessons Learned that Work.
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Tips for salvaging water-damaged law office records can be found here.
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Volunteer Attorney Guide to FEMA [PDF]: Download this guide which has information about what type of assistance is available, who is eligible, the process for obtaining assistance, and frequently asked questions.
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ABA Formal Ethics Opinion 482 clarifies the variety of ethical obligations attorneys face when disaster strikes.
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Online class: Providing Legal Assistance to Disaster Survivors: An Overview: Presentation materials here
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Online class: Representing Individuals Seeking Assistance from FEMA: Presentation materials are here and here.
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Online class: Federal Disaster Relief and the National Flood Insurance Program
Disaster planning
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Creating a Disaster Readiness Plan for your firm
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Disaster Planning for Lawyers: Preparing, Reacting & Resuming Life
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Ten Minute Mentor videos on Disaster Preparedness and Relief
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The ABA Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness provides resources for legal professionals here.
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Additional resources can be found on texasbarpractice.com, a State Bar of Texas website devoted to law practice resources.
Emotional and Mental Health Assistance
The Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program can help law students, lawyers, and judges with issues such as stress and anxiety, depression, bipolar and other mental health concerns, including suicide prevention and overall wellness.
If you or a colleague need assistance, please reach out. The service is 100 percent confidential. You can call or text 800-343-8527 anytime. Learn more at tlaphelps.org.
