Attorneys in Louisiana are reeling as the result of devastating, once-in-1,000-years floods. The New York Times reported that the floods have killed 11 and caused 30,000 people to need rescues. An estimated 40,000 homes are affected, and many of those do not have flood insurance because they are not located in areas known to flood. The Louisiana governor has declared a state of emergency and has issued an emergency suspension of legal deadlines. 

In response to the disaster, the Louisiana State Bar Association has put together a disaster response website filled with information, announcements, tools and resources to help its members recover and assist them as they seek to offer legal assistance to people in their communities. 

The Louisiana State Bar Association runs a program called SOLACE, (Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel – All Concern Encouraged). The sole purpose of the program is to allow the legal community to reach out in meaningful and compassionate ways to judges, lawyers, court personnel, paralegals, legal secretaries and their families who experience a sudden catastrophic loss. SOLACE is currently accepting assistance requests from attorneys and other people for non-monetary needs. People can make requests for office space, gift cards, furniture, temporary housing, food, and more. Undoubtedly, the SOLACE program is stretched to its limit by this disaster. 

If you'd like to help, here's how you can: 

Donate to help lawyers affected by the floods

Another way to donate to help lawyers and their staff members affected by the floods

Volunteer to help lawyers affected by the floods (only if you are also licensed in Louisiana).

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