This project has assisted hundreds and hundreds of disaster victims, including the tornadoes in the spring of 1997 and January 1999. Led by the Association's Young Lawyer's Section, the Project is executed in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), local bar associations, and local legal service programs.
Both State and Federal governments have the statutory and regulatory authority to make arrangements for the provision of legal services to victims of disaster. Thus, upon declaration, either by the Governor alone, or by the Governor and the President, Arkansas lawyers may be called upon to provide free emergency legal services.
Three possible times in which our Disaster Legal Assistance program may be initiated are:
- Arkansas Office of Emergency Services (AOES) - Emergencies Declared by the Governor
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Disasters Declared by the President
- Response to Non-Declared Emergencies
Disaster victims needing legal assistance should call 501.375.4606.