9/27/05

To date, over two thousand evacuees have sought shelter in Michigan. After their immediate needs for food and safe haven have been met, many will face wide ranging legal issues. We know that even in the best of times, there is a great, unmet need for legal services for low-income families, and Michigan lawyers have historically been in the forefront of support for legal aid and Access to Justice programs.

The State Bar of Michigan is calling on its members to donate their time and expertise to those in need. Volunteer your professional legal services now to help evacuees in Michigan. If your pro bono contribution of service is not a reasonable option at this time, please contribute to the Access to Justice Katrina appeal so that the legal services providers who will be asked to address legal needs of evacuees in their communities will have critically needed financial support.

To assist in understanding the legal and social issues faced by all of us, the State Bar provides links to the following resources:

ABA Hurricane Katrina Disaster Resources provides legal information for victims and lawyers affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The Katrina Legal Aid Resource Center is for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, for the legal aid and defender programs helping them (including those who were themselves directly affected by the storm and those who are helping evacuees), and for private attorneys who are seeking ways to offer legal assistance. This site is a collaborative effort of the American Bar Association, the Legal Services Corporation, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, and Pro Bono Net.

Michigan Legal Aid Disaster Resources offers help with legal problems to low-income residents and hurricane evacuees in Michigan.

National Legal Aid and Defender Association Disaster Relief Resources and lessons learned from September 11 and other catastrophes.

Michigan Poverty Law Program materials, including federal guidance on HUD, IRS, and USDA Issues.

Michigan Homeland Security lists Michigan emergency disaster Information with Family Links Registry, FEMA disaster application link, and Department of Human Services link.

Ethics FAQs For Practitioners in Response to Hurricane Katrina.

LawHelp.org offers information on legal services providers in states affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Louisiana State Bar Association Disaster State's Bar Association Response.

Pro Hac Vice Rule Michigan's temporary practice requirements for licensed practitioners from other states.

Legal Services Corporation Disaster Relief Guide.

American Red Cross responding to Hurricane Katrina.