As our concerns are with those in the path of Hurricane Michael, lawyers across America are eligible for a pro bono opportunity made possible by a recent order of the North Carolina Supreme Court. The order permits out-of-state lawyers to temporarily provide pro bono legal services to low- to moderate-income North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Florence.
ABA Free Legal Answers, an online portal that remotely connects low-income individuals with pro bono lawyers, has adapted its North Carolina site to accept out-of-state volunteer registrations. This provides a convenient way for U.S.-licensed attorneys to offer pro bono legal advice to Hurricane Florence survivors from wherever they are located.
After following the instructions at this link, volunteers can log in and provide answers 24/7/365 at their convenience. Lawyers may also use ABA Free Legal Answers to provide desperately needed pro bono services in their own states, including for those affected by Hurricane Michael and other disasters.
With this latest development, the ABA continues its commitment to encouraging pro bono and providing disaster-related support. With our state and local partners, the ABA Young Lawyers Division implements the Disaster Legal Services Program with FEMA to provide pro bono temporary legal assistance to disaster survivors. Please visit our list of current disaster legal hotlines.
We are proud to acknowledge North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark D. Martin, a former chair of the ABA Judicial Division, for his invaluable leadership in making it possible for lawyers across the country to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. We encourage other states affected by disasters to adopt similar rules when needed, per a model court rule adopted by the ABA House of Delegates in February 2007.
Thank you for participating and for alerting your professional and social networks to this opportunity for lawyers to serve.
Bob Carlson, President
American Bar Association