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Contacts:
Lise Bang-Jensen
Lbang-jensen@nysba.org
518-487-5530

Mark Mahoney
Mmahoney@nysba.org 
518-487-5532

November 6, 2012

NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION SETS UP
LEGAL HOTLINE TO ASSIST STORM VICTIMS

1-800-699-5636 Toll-free Number for Legal Questions

New Yorkers with legal problems related to Superstorm Sandy can receive free advice from volunteer lawyers through a program sponsored by the New York State Bar Association, President Seymour W. James, Jr. announced today.

"We know there will be a great need for legal assistance in the coming weeks," said James (The Legal Aid Society in New York City). "We are grateful to attorneys who go above and beyond to serve their communities."

Volunteer attorneys will answer storm-related questions about insurance, real estate issues (landlord-tenant and other property disputes) and general legal matters, such as replacing missing wills and other documents.

Storm victims seeking legal advice 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 Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) 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 storm-battered areas of the state.

Attorneys wishing to volunteer can visit  www.nysba.org/DisasterVolunteerSandy or call 518-463-3200.     
 
The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation.  It was founded in 1876.

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