Disaster Resources for Attorneys
Free CLE Opportunities
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Online class: Dealing with Claims Arising from Freezes/Power Outages & Broken Pipes,
MCLE credit: 1 hour
Accreditation for this course expires on 4/30/2025 -
Online class: Just Ask: How We Must Stop Minding Our Own Business in the Legal World (Suicide & Depression Prevention Essentials),
MCLE credit: 1 hour
Accreditation for this course expires on 4/30/2025
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.
Disaster planning
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Creating a Disaster Readiness Plan for your firm
Provided by the State Bar of Texas Law Practice Management Program -
Disaster Planning for Lawyers: Preparing, Reacting & Resuming Life
Prepared by the State Bar of Texas Disaster Response Task Force -
The ABA Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness provides resources for legal professionals
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Additional resources can be found on the Texas Bar Practice resource website.
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.
