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September 14, 2011
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS OFFER FLOOD VICTIMS FREE LEGAL
CONSULTATION
Homeowners and tenants affected by recent devastating floods across New
York are eligible for free legal consultation through a program
sponsored by the New York State Bar Association.
Assistance is being offered to flood victims throughout the state,
not just to those living in the 24 counties that have been declared
federal disaster areas.
Volunteer attorneys will be available to answer questions about
insurance, property disputes, landlord-tenant matters and general legal
matters, such as replacing a missing will, medical proxy or other
documents.
“The State Bar members have a long tradition of reaching out to
help individuals in times of need. We are pleased to again offer our
assistance,” said Vincent E. Doyle III of Buffalo (Connors &
Vilardo LLP). The Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) is
coordinating the program.
Flood victims seeking legal advice should call LRIS at
1-800-342-3661. Callers will be given the name and telephone number of a
volunteer attorney. Callers will receive a free consultation of at
least 30 minutes, either in-person or by telephone.
Reaching flood victims with information about the LRIS is complicated
by interruption of telephone, Internet and television service in
affected communities. Informational posters are being sent to the
local emergency centers. The State Bar appreciates the assistance
of local newspapers and broadcasters in helping to make flood victims
aware of the legal services program.
It is anticipated that the need for legal services (especially
regarding denial of insurance claims) will increase once victims deal
with immediate food and shelter concerns.
Attorneys wishing to volunteer their services to flood victims may
call LRIS at 1-800-342-3661.
The federal government has declared 24 counties disaster areas. They
include Albany, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Delaware, Dutchess,
Essex, Greene, Montgomery, Nassau, Orange, Otsego, Rensselaer, Rockland,
Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Ulster,
Warren, and Westchester counties. Additional counties may be added. The
State Bar’s pro bono assistance is available to flood victims
across the state, even if their counties have not qualified for federal
funds.
The LRIS puts New Yorkers in touch with lawyers and local bar
referral services, legal aid societies, legal service programs, state
agencies and mediation groups. It serves 44 counties throughout the
state and receives more than 15,000 calls each year.
The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest state
voluntary bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.
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