Disasters come in all shapes and sizes, from a burst pipe to a “Katrina sized” event. Regardless of the size and scope, lawyers must take steps to protect their practices and serve their clients – and possibly other victims affected by a disaster. The resources below will help lawyers and firms prepare for and respond to disasters.
Resources for Lawyers & Law Firms
Pandemic Resources
- COVID-19 Loss Recovery Help Library, by United Policyholders
- FEMA’s Pandemic Influenza COOP
- A Lawyer's Guide to Planning for a Disaster
- Disaster Planning for Bar Associations
- Law School Emergency and Disaster Guidance
- LSC Disaster Task Force Report
- McDermott Coronavirus Resource Center for US and Global Employees
- Coronavirus Information and FAQs, by the Society for Human Resource Management. Provides information regarding Employment Law and the effects of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Outbreak: The legal implications, by the Norton Rose Fulbright Law Firm
- What Are Companies' Legal Obligations Around Coronavirus?, by the Harvard Business Review
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource, National Association of School Psychologists
- Remote Legal Support Guide: A Best Practices Manual for Nonprofit and Pro Bono Innovation, by Pro Bono Net and the Immigration Advocates Network.
ABA Entity COVID-19 Resources
- Disaster Legal Services Program, by the ABA Young Lawyers Divison
- COVID-19 Resources, by the Law Practice Division
- COVID-19 Mental Health Resources for the Legal Profession, by the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs
- Coronavirus Update for the Elder Law Community, by the ABA Commission on Law and Aging
- COVID-19 Resources, by the Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Articles and Resources, by the Section of Litigation
- COVID-19 Tax News and Information, by the Section of Taxation
Technology Resources
The ABA Legal Technology Resource Center (LTRC) has articles and resources concerning disaster preparedness on their blog Law Technology Today. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for emerging updates.
Disaster Planning and Recovery for Law Firms
- ABA Guide to Conducting a Business Continuity Exercise
- Planning for Reconstituting a Law Office after a Disaster
- After Disaster Strikes: A Checklist
- Small Office Disaster or COOP Plan
- Preparing, Reacting & Resuming Life
- Firms and Courts Take up Challenge of Preparing for the Worst
- Pandemics: Preparing Businesses for a Global Outbreak (D. Benson & A Paterra, South Carolina Lawyer, July 2009)
Law Practice Resources
In light of the disasters caused by recent hurricanes, along with various other natural disasters, we have seen many lawyers and law firms severely impacted – some law firms have been destroyed by these disasters. Visit the ABA Law Practice Division Disaster Resources page to find tips for planning for a disaster and tips for disaster recovery, with more resources to follow.
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources for the Legal Profession
Following a disaster it is normal to feel sad, angry, and overwhelmed. The ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance can identify local and state assistance programs to help you cope with the effects of a disaster and offer additional mental health resources to assist you in addressing the impact of COVID-19.
Keep in Touch with the ABA
If you are an ABA member and have been temporarily or permanently dislocated due to a disaster, please contact the ABA service center (1-800-285-2221) or go on line to change your address.