ABA supports victims of California wildfires
A Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter works on extinguishing hot spots in the aftermath of the Palisades fire in California on Jan. 12. (Photo by Scott Strazzante/The San Francisco Chronicle via the Associated Press)
The ABA is mobilizing to help victims of the devastating wildfires in Southern California.
Since erupting in the Los Angeles area Jan. 7, the wildfires reportedly have burned through more than 60 square miles of land and claimed the lives of at least 25 people. They are now among the most destructive wildfires in the region’s history.
“It is embedded in lawyers’ DNA to try to assist when people are in need,” said ABA President Bill Bay in a message to members Tuesday. “Looking at the destruction the California wildfires has caused, it is clear many people have lost everything. It will be a long road to recovery.”
The ABA Young Lawyers Division’s Disaster Legal Services program has helped survivors navigate the aftermath of presidentially declared disasters since 2007. According to Bay, Disaster Legal Services has responded to more than 300 declared disasters in 45 states and five U.S. territories.
“In 2024 alone, the program helped in 31 locations,” according to Bay.
“Through this program and in concert with FEMA, state and local bars, Legal Services Corporation and many other agencies, thousands of lawyers have provided free legal advice and representation to hundreds of thousands of disaster survivors in the United States and its territories,” Bay said.
Disaster Legal Services is now coordinating the delivery of free legal services in California. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in the state Jan. 8 and directed federal aid to assist in areas affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds.
“In addition to supporting local partners and FEMA with the legal response, the YLD is working to coordinate individual volunteers and organizations interested in assisting survivors,” says Amanda Brown, the director of Disaster Legal Services.
Brown encourages volunteers to sign up using the Disaster Legal Services volunteer interest form. She says groups can email [email protected].
Bay added in his message that members also can donate money to support free civil legal aid to victims of the Southern California wildfires.
See also:
As parts of Los Angeles burn, lawyers make do
Federal judges lose homes in Southern California wildfires
