Washington, D.C. — Legal aid leaders from across the country gathered in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, for Justice After the Storm: Disasters & Access to Justice Across the South, a legal aid forum hosted in collaboration with U.S. Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15). In addition to legal aid leaders, the event also brought together congressional staff, agency officials, and nonprofit partners to spotlight the urgent legal needs that arise before and after natural disasters across the Southern United States.
The forum featured five panelists representing legal aid organizations from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas. Speakers shared firsthand experiences supporting survivors in disaster-impacted communities and offered insights into building resilient recovery systems, along with tactics for ongoing outreach and support of disaster prone and vulnerable populations.
“In Florida, we know all too well the devastation that hurricanes leave behind. Long after the winds die down and the floodwaters recede, many families are still facing complicated legal challenges that can stall their recovery,” said Rep. Laurel Lee.
“Legal aid organizations are a vital resource in helping Floridians navigate these challenges and get back on their feet. By partnering with them we can strengthen our disaster response and help our neighbors navigate the long road to recovery. I’m proud to support efforts that ensure our communities have access to the resources and support they need to recover fully and prepare for the future.”
Panelists also addressed a wide range of legal challenges including displacement, housing disputes, FEMA appeals, lost documents, fraud, insurance, probate and heirs’ property, and access to public benefits. Many of the panelists emphasized how post-disaster legal needs extend long after emergency services have departed.
“Sharing the important work of grant recipients is a critical way to show where federal dollars are going, and ‘they’re going directly into communities,’” explained Ron Flagg, President of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC funds civil legal aid organizations like Community Legal Services in every congressional district in the United States.
“Civil legal aid isn’t about Washington — it’s about helping people back home. Every day, legal aid providers in communities across the country help Americans navigate serious legal challenges that affect their families, health, housing and livelihoods. Whether it’s a veteran struggling to access benefits or a disaster survivor trying to rebuild, legal aid is a vital local service that strengthens communities across the country,” Flagg added. According to data from the Legal Services Corporation, only 8% of the civil legal problems facing Florida’s low-income residents receive any legal help.
The forum also explored how legal aid organizations incorporate lessons learned from major disasters to improve outreach and service delivery, especially in rural and underserved communities. In doing so, they help individuals not only recover but also prepare for future disaster impacts.
“Many Americans are familiar with the recovery process after a disaster strikes, such as assessing damage and obtaining food, water, or first aid. What many don’t know is legal aid steps in to help survivors rebuild their lives, navigate complex systems, and secure the stability they need to move forward,” said Jeff Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Community Legal Services. “Legal aid staff are trained and prepared to help our neighbors in need during the most difficult times. If you or someone you know needs information on civil legal issues or needs legal assistance and may qualify for our services, disaster-related or otherwise, go to LegalAccessForAll.org for more information.”
Participating organizations included:
Community Legal Services • Bay Area Legal Services • Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida • Florida Rural Legal Services • Legal Services of Greater Miami • Legal Services of North Florida • Three Rivers Legal Services • Georgia Legal Services Program • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services • Legal Aid of North Carolina • Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
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About Community Legal Services
Community Legal Services (CLS) aims to enhance the lives of those we serve through accessible legal support, assistance, and education. We call it “Legal Access for All”. As a PILLAR in the community since 1966, our dedicated staff attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and advocates have worked diligently to solve civil legal problems that impact the daily lives of Central Florida residents. In 2026, CLS will proudly celebrate 60 years of service—honoring a legacy of advocacy and access to justice for all. For more information, please visit LegalAccessForAll.org.
CLS is a proud grantee of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States. LSC is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For more than 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. For more information on LSC, please visit https://www.lsc.gov/.