TAMPA, Fla. — A group of Florida attorneys gathered to discuss how they're helping to deliver critical aid to disaster survivors in the wake of Helene and Milton.

At an event in Tampa, Bay Area Legal Services and Legal Services Corporation hosted a forum to highlight the role attorneys play in disaster relief. Both groups say disaster relief is the time when attorneys come in and act as second responders by helping those in need with pro-bono legal services.

“What we like to say is in disasters, after boots on the ground, we need suits on the ground. Attorneys help people rebuild their homes, repair their homes, resist scams,” said Ron Flagg, Legal Services Corporation president.

They launched the Active Disaster Relief Project after Hurricane Irma in 2017. It’s meant to help people with everything from evictions to FEMA claims.

“The types of legal issues we’re seeing are very wide scope. A lot of landlord tenant issues, housing issues in general. FEMA appeals, insurance claims, contractor issues. The list goes on and on. Really any sort of legal case that can be logically related to a disaster,” said Jason Susalla, Bay Area Legal Services managing attorney.

There is a screening process for those who qualify for legal aid services. Attorneys with the group say they normally represent people with lower income and from disadvantaged communities.

To find out if you qualify or to get legal assistance, call 833-514-2940.