While this committee focuses on providing resources and information, it does not coordinate pro bono legal assistance. If you are a disaster survivor in need of legal help, or a volunteer interested in offering pro bono services, the ABA's Young Lawyer Division Disaster Legal Services program is responsible for coordinating legal aid in disaster-affected areas. For more information, please visit the ABA Young Lawyer Division Disaster Legal Services page.
Learn More & - VolunteerJoin us on March 18-19, 2025 for Equal Justice Works’ 2025 Disaster Resilience Symposium at Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st Street South, Gulfport, FL. The Symposium is co-hosted by Equal Justice Works, The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Disaster Legal Services, and Stetson University College of Law.
The American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness is dedicated to equipping legal professionals and the public with critical resources to navigate the legal challenges that arise from disasters.
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.
This Committee's video on disaster preparedness was honored with a Gold Stevie® Award.
Explore a series of videos on working away from the office during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Disaster planning tool created specifically for Bar Associations.
Disaster planning tool created specifically for a legal practice.
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.”
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.
Watch - NowThe ABA Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness presented a 5-part webinar series in September for National Preparedness Month.
Publications | Book
Meeting the Legal Needs of Disaster Survivors: Third Responders
Publications | Book
The Community Resilience Handbook
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.
View - MoreStay up-to-date on natural disaster legal news with the ABA Journal’s coverage
