The OCBA has created an Emergency Response Task Force on emergency preparedness to help provide information about upcoming programs and opportunities to assist victims of the devastating Los Angeles Fires. These are extraordinary times, but they present us with the opportunity to work together in unprecedented ways to serve impacted communities. 

To that end, if you are interested in getting trained to help provide pro bono legal assistance to fire victims, below is information about upcoming seminars:

1. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles Training
   NLSLA, along with legal aid partners will be holding a virtual training on January 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. for those interested in volunteering at the disaster assistance centers and those looking to provide free legal assistance. The training will be recorded if you're unable to attend live. Please click here for information on registering for the training. 
    
2. Pro Bono Training Institute
   Online, on-demand disaster relief training videos: https://pbtraining.org/course-category/disaster-relief/?tutor-course-filter-category=34. (You just have to create a free account to log on.) This aims to create a corps of trained, informed pro bono volunteers to be of use to our friends in LA. The clinics will cover insurance claims, FEMA paperwork, employment issues and next steps under the supervision of a trained legal aid attorney. 
    
3. A Guide to Tax Issues Following a Natural Disaster
   The Beverly Hills Bar Association is hosting this free webinar on January 21, 2025 at 2 pm https://myemail.constantcontact.com/A-Guide-to-Tax-Issues-Following-a-Natural-Disaster.html?soid=1102591689817&aid=JRyqFmfXKKA
    
4. Pro Bono Limited Scope Legal Clinics in Malibu
   January 18 and 19, 2025 offered by Pepperdine Caruso Law Legal Clinics - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pepperdine-university_in-response-to-the-devastating-fires-that-activity-7284736854740910080-YoIT
    
5. In-Person and Virtual Insurance Workshops
   January 18, 19, 25 and 26 in Santa Monica and Pasadena offered by the California Department of Insurance - https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/20-Glossary/Events-Calendar.cfm

Additionally, below is a link the FEMA website which offers more information on how you can help. 

https://www.disasterassistance.gov

We also participated in a LACBA remote meeting this afternoon to align Bar Association and Affiliate Organization efforts. The discussion centered on avoiding duplication of efforts while providing meaningful, hands-on assistance to those in need. The focus was on educating both the public affected by the fires and legal professionals on key legal issues and procedures in relevant areas of the law. 

Lastly, we aim to incorporate CLEs addressing mental well-being, trauma, and secondary exposure. We recognize that when recovery begins, it may be challenging to offer guidance to those who have suffered greatly, and we want to support coping efforts. 

Thank you in advance to those willing to assist. We will share more information in the coming weeks about additional ways to contribute. 

Thanks, 

Sharon and Dan 

OCBA Emergency Response Task Force Co-Chairs