LSBA Responds to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike:

A Message from LSBA President Elizabeth Erny Foote

I hope this message finds you safe after the ordeals of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Please allow me to bring you up to date on the LSBA's response to the disasters, including how we can help you, how you can help others, and how we are helping the public.

First, I know that many of you in the legal community are hampered in your ability to get back to work by a lack of power, office space and worse. The LSBA has set up a message board on its Web site to facilitate communication between the lawyers and staffs in need and those who can provide them with assistance. Need temporary office space in Baton Rouge, for example? Post your need and how to contact you on the Web site. Go to: http://www.lsba.org/dr/forum.asp. Have an extra office or computer? Please check the message board and help our colleagues in need.

The LSBA Web site also provides a wealth of additional information. Go to: http://www.lsba.org/dr/emnumbers.asp.

An additional resource is the SOLACE network. E-mail your need or that of a friend to Jay_Zainey@laed.uscourts.gov. Judge Zainey will e-mail your request to a network of lawyers across the state. Judge Zainey cannot solicit monetary donations.

Second, the Access to Justice community has activated its disaster relief plan, a combined effort of the LSBA Access to Justice Committee, the Louisiana Bar Foundation, the Legal Services Corporations and pro bono providers across the state, the LSBA Young Lawyers Section, the Louisiana Civil Justice Center, Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, Equal Justice Works and the American Bar Association. The group has activated the legal call-in line for the public. By calling (800)310-7029, individuals who reside in parishes affected by the hurricanes can receive answers to legal questions and how to get aid, as well as referrals to attorneys. Please contact your local pro bono organization if you would like to volunteer to help. For a list of programs, go to: http://www.lsba.org/2007atj/probonoresources.asp.

Kudos to the LSBA staff which also activated its disaster plan as Gustav approached. The building in New Orleans was secured, alternative offices were obtained (which were not needed fortunately) and all records of the organization and the safety of its employees were preserved.

Lawyers are true heroes: we help people every day in the practice of law. And we pitch in to help our communities and friends in our spare time. Thank you,

Elizabeth Erny Foote, President
Louisiana State Bar Association