Volunteer After a Disaster

The State Bar of California has a number of resources to help direct attorneys willing to help with a recent disaster.

Sign up to become a volunteer

In California, attorneys can sign up online at the Pro Bono Portal to be notified about pro bono opportunities related to a recent disaster.

In the aftermath of disasters, volunteers may be needed to help staff a legal hotline or a resource table at disaster recovery centers. Volunteers may also be needed to conduct legal research, volunteer at clinics, or handle pro bono cases to assist disaster survivors. The California Lawyers Association also maintains a list of volunteer opportunities.

Online training and technical assistance are available.

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Alexa Montalvo, at Alexa.Montalvo@calbar.ca.gov, at the State Bar’s Office of Access & Inclusion.

Once attorneys have been trained in providing legal help after a disaster, they can volunteer to provide pro bono legal services with a disaster response team.

Get training in disaster assistance

If attorneys are not trained to help after a disaster but want to help, they can find organizations that provide free training. Here are some training opportunities:

Volunteering out of state

State bars across the country also allow out-of-state attorneys to volunteer as pro bono attorneys in their states. Attorneys can contact the national Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center to offer help.

Questions about destroyed records

Attorneys who have lost personal or client records in a disaster can contact the State Bar’s Ethics Hotline with questions about what to do.

  • 1-800-238-4427 (toll free in California)
  • 415-538-2150 (from outside California)

Lawyer Assistance Program

Disasters can create sudden and significant stress for legal professionals, who may be balancing increased community needs with their own personal or professional disruptions. The State Bar’s Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) helps current, former, and disbarred attorneys; law students; and State Bar applicants who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or mental health and/or substance use issues affecting their personal and professional lives. LAP counselors can provide a free assessment of your situation and assist you in getting the help you need, including mental health issues, substance use issues, or a career transition.