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    Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness 

    Our mission is to: educate lawyers, bar associations and the justice system to help them prepare for and respond to disasters; provide resources to assist lawyers and the public recover from disasters; and, ensure the rule of law in times of disaster. 

    CLE Program from PLI

    Climate Change

    New Developments in Climate Disaster Response & Resilience

    With climate change continuing to impact communities all over the country, what should lawyers know about recent developments in this field? This program will explore trending topics in climate disaster response and offer attendees an update on legal service and pro bono efforts after recent events impacting Florida and Puerto Rico. This CLE program is free and will be available on-demand for one year.

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    Virtual Disaster Symposium

    The ABA Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness presented a 5-part webinar series in September for National Preparedness Month.

    View our - Free Presentations

    Webinar Replay

    DLS Webinar

    Disaster Relief and Compliance: Avoiding the Disaster Following the Disaster

    Two former government attorneys and a current government auditor discuss Federal disaster relief programs and assistance compliance audits. Topics include interacting with government agencies, record keeping, strategies for response, and avoiding common pitfalls and mistakes.

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    The ABA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force

    The task force will identify the legal needs arising from the pandemic, make recommendations to address those needs, and help mobilize volunteer lawyers and legal professionals to assist people who need help

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    Disaster Preparedness Publications

    COVID-19 CLE Collection

    fREE TO aba mEMBERS

    COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

    Subtitle: Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAPs) throughout the country provide confidential services and support to judges, lawyers and law students who facing are mental health or substance use issues. Provided by ABA Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs.

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    Law Practice Tips in the Time of Disaster

    Explore a series of videos on working away from the office during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

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    FEMA Pandemic Continuity of Operations Template

    This template from provides guidance to assist organizations in developing a Pandemic Influenza Continuity of Operations Plan or, if the organization already has a continuity plan, a Pandemic Influenza Annex.”

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    ABA Disaster Response Resources

    Learn how you can disaster-proof your firm and how lawyers can help with recovery efforts with our up-to-date resources from the ABA and beyond.

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    ABA Journal Responses for Disaster Response

    Stay up-to-date on natural disaster legal news with the ABA Journal’s coverage

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    Highlights

    A Guide to Disaster Planning for Bar Associations

    Disaster planning tool created specifically for Bar Associations.

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    A Lawyer's Guide to Disaster Planning

    Disaster planning tool created specifically for a legal practice.

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    ABA Policy

    In recent years, the Standing Committee has adopted numerous policies related to disaster preparedness and response in the areas listed below. Please see summary of these policies that cover 2003 – 2017, with links to view the full text of each policy.

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    Surviving a Disaster: Are you Prepared?

    This Committee's video on disaster preparedness was honored with a Gold Stevie® Award.

    Message From the Chair

    About Us

    The Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness is committed to educating lawyers, bar associations and the justice system to prepare for and respond to disasters.

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    Resources

    Disaster Planning