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American Bar Association Calls for Volunteer Legal Assistance in Aiding Victims of Terrorist Attacks
In the event of a disaster in the United States, the American Bar Association has a standing agreement with FEMA that it will set up a toll-free number for victims to call and speak with an attorney on a pro bono basis. Susan Wissink, Disaster Legal Services Coordinator for the ABA, is now spearheading the effort to field calls in both New York and Washington, D.C.Volunteer attorneys and paralegals are needed from the New York, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware areas. Attorneys are needed to be available to return phone calls and paralegals are needed to assist in fielding the calls. With an incredible volume of calls expected, the ABA is in need of a large number of volunteers.
Wissink says that they are anticipating a need for attorneys in almost all fields of the law, but especially in the probate, family law, and general commercial areas. However, the ABA specifies that volunteers cannot assist fee-generating clients and no volunteer may take any fee for services provided.
If interested, please e-mail Susan Wissink with your name, phone number and general areas of practice.
In addition, the New York State Bar Association has already set up a toll-free number for victims to call with their law-related questions. Click HERE to learn more about their efforts to help.