Disaster Ready: Preparing Your Legal Services Program for When Disaster Strikes

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Natural disasters are increasing in frequency and severity across the United States. In 2023 alone, NOAA recorded 28 separate billion-dollar disasters, and 2024 will almost certainly prove to be another record-breaking year. Legal services organizations play a crucial role in supporting communities during and after disasters. This session will focus on essential preparations legal aid programs need to have in place before disaster strikes, going beyond basic Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP). Panelists will discuss key elements of disaster preparedness specific to legal services organizations, including strategic resource allocation, implementation of Disaster Legal Services (DLS), training and mobilization of legal professionals, and effective community outreach. The session will provide practical guidance on developing comprehensive disaster response plans, establishing partnerships, and leveraging pro bono resources to maximize impact during crises.

(1) Attendees will understand the key components of a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan for legal services organizations.
(2) Attendees will be able to identify and prioritize essential functions and resources needed for effective disaster response.
(3) Attendees will learn strategies for training and mobilizing legal professionals, including pro bono volunteers, for disaster-related legal assistance.
(4) Attendees will gain insights into effective community outreach and education techniques for disaster preparedness and response, and for leveraging partnerships with other organizations to enhance disaster response capabilities.

David Bonebrake, n/a

Deputy Director, Office of Program Performance

Legal Services Corporation

David has served as a Deputy Director in the Legal Services Corporation's (LSC) Office of Program Performance since joining in April 2023, where he oversees LSC's Disaster program and assists with the management of basic field grants. Before this, he was a Program Counsel with OPP’s Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) program, starting in 2010. In that role, he aided LSC grantees in adopting new technologies and developing strategies to operate more effectively and efficiently. He also provides technical assistance to LSC grantees on using technology to enhance their programs and services, offering guidance on a range of topics such as website development, information security, online intake, and remote service delivery. David has been actively involved in several LSC initiatives. He spearheaded an LSC initiative to evaluate legal aid statewide websites and played a key role in launching the Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center and the Heartland Flood Help websites, in collaboration with the Disaster team. Additionally, he has participated in approximately 20 Basic Field Grant Program Quality Visits at LSC, where he provides analysis of grantee intake systems and the integration of technology.

Jessica Radbord

Program Counsel

Legal Services Corporation

Jessica Radbord joined the Legal Services Corporation as Disaster Grants Program Counsel III in the Office of Program Performance in May 2024. Prior to joining LSC, Jessica represented clients at legal aid programs in New York and Vermont, engaging in representation and systemic advocacy. Her areas of focus included public assistance, eviction defense, subsidized housing, VAWA, homelessness-related legal issues, and disaster legal services. Jessica was awarded the Vermont Bar Association President’s Award for her work with survivors of Tropical Storm Irene and served as a committee chair for the Vermont Senate’s Post-Irene Property Law Task Force. Jessica is a graduate of Columbia Law School, where she was a Kent Scholar, and received her B.A. from Cornell University.

Amanda Young

Brittanny Gomez, JD

Disaster Benefits Team Manager

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

Brittanny Perrigue Gomez is the Disaster Benefits Team Manager at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), the second-largest legal service provider in the nation and the largest in Texas. In this role, she advocates for low-income individuals affected by natural disasters, providing critical assistance with FEMA, SBA, and Texas Health and Human Services Other Needs Assistance programs. Her work also includes helping disaster survivors clear title to their homes, enabling them to access much-needed financial disaster relief.

Josh Gaul

Josh Gaul has worked for Iowa Legal Aid since August 10, 2009. He has served in the role of Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, and was promoted to Managing Attorney in 2020. He currently manages Iowa Legal Aid’s Disaster Project, Legal Hotline for Older Iowans, and Rural Justice Project for Older Iowans. Josh graduated from Drake University Law School with High Honors in May of 2009.