The New York State Bar Association is offering free legal advice from volunteer lawyers to victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Attorneys will answer storm-related questions about insurance, landlord-tenant and other property disputes and general legal matters, such as replacing missing wills and other documents, said Seymour W. James Jr., president of the state bar association.
Victims with legal questions can call a toll-free hotline, 1-800-699-5636. They will receive the name and phone number of a volunteer attorney. Callers will be eligible for a free legal consultation of up to 30 minutes, either by phone or in person.
Individuals whose applications for emergency assistance are rejected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be able to speak with an attorney about how to appeal the decision.
The 77,000-member bar association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service is coordinating the program in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. They are working closely with local bar associations, legal assistance providers, community programs and local officials in New York”™s storm-battered areas of the state.
Attorneys wishing to volunteer can visit nysba.org/DisasterVolunteerSandy or call 518-463-3200.
